Tebow's pre-Wonderlic prayer request falls flat

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 23, 2010, 7:20 PM EDT

As we’ve mentioned once or twice, quarterback Tim Tebow’s habit of openly expressing his religious beliefs could potentially rub folks the wrong way, especially in a locker room of grown men who choose to keep their beliefs to themselves, who don’t share his beliefs at all, and/or who only want to hear “God bless” after they have sneezed.

We’re told that Tebow already has gotten a taste of the resistance he might face at the next level.

At the Scouting Combine, the Wonderlic exam is administered to players in groups. The 12-minute test is preceded by some brief instructions and comments from the person administering the test.

Per a league source, after the person administering the test to Tebow’s group had finished, Tebow made a request that the players bow their heads in prayer before taking the 50-question exam.

Said one of the other players in response: “Shut the f–k up.” Others players in the room then laughed.

We’re not passing judgment on this one; we’re just passing along what we’ve heard. And it illustrates the type of challenges that could be faced by the team that drafts Tebow.

That said, some teams might embrace those challenges. The final decision will depend largely on the composition of the team, and the personalities of the coach, the G.M., and the owner.

369 responses to “Tebow's pre-Wonderlic prayer request falls flat”

Tim Tebow is entitled to his religious beliefs. When that crosses into a situation where it appears he is pushing those beliefs onto others he will meet resistance.
The sooner he learns this lesson the better.

your passing along anything you can to make him look like an idiot for being religious.
there are prayer circles after every game and even during injury timeouts. I doubt anyone is going to hate him because of his beliefs…. you obviously never spent much time on a team in your life.
Guys we respect you because of the type of guy you are.. not your faith. If tom brady was a muslim and bowed in the locker room no one would give a shit because hes brady…
grow up and stop “making news” every time you hear a rumor that happened to tebow because he expresses his faith

Thank you brother Florio for getting back on your soapbox and rallying against the evil of a good person of high moral character trying to impart some class into the (your word) underwear olympics. How dare he be raised in a stable home and try to help others. glad your around to point out each and every misstep this young man makes in his life. Sure wish someone was doing that to you as you were trying to make it in the world. So based on this, when the overtime rule changes that you and Peter King whined and cried into existance end the game as we know it…I will make SURE that you never hear the end of it….it’s Karma after all.

I could understand how it would rub some people the wrong way. Praying for better test scores is just like when Reggie White would pray for God to lead the Packers to victory……it doesn’t work that way.

Not putting him on the same level, but do you think Reggie White ever faced this type of back lash, because he was pretty open about his beliefs. Again, Tebow is no White, but it seems there is some level of similarity.

This is a really interesting bit of info Florio – seriously, this starts to shed some more light on the challange in front of Tebow.
I bet he was rattled after that happened – probably affected his focus on the test – had to take him completely by surprise.
He is adjusting his throwing motion and I am sure he will adjust his mixing of religious habits with pro football.
He will adjust

There is a video on Youtube of Cowher leading the Steelers in a , lengthy, loud, passionate prayer in the locker room immediately after they beat the Colts in the 2006 AFC title game.
There is always a prayer group on the field after games, with players from each side joining in.
More than half the college and NFL players say “glory be to God” if they are asked on-air why they are so talented.
I wouldn’t be surprised if one tense player at an aptitude test let fly with an anxiety-laden f-bomb, but I don’t think it really reflects on what is generally going on with NFL’ers and kids on their way to the NFL. Tebow will find plenty of folks who are willing to pray with him at the next level – nothing to be concerned about.

It’s cool to believe in whatever you want to believe. But when one professes so loudly and so often, it can be obnoxious. The one-note nature of what comes out of Tebow’s mouth also makes me consider the possibility that he doesn’t have a lot going on upstairs.

If I were worried about someones effect on a locker room, I would like to know who the guy was who said “Shut the f–k up.” more than the guy who is a trying to be a leader in a room full of guys he doesn’t know.
I am an atheist by the way.

So, you’re saying that “Shut the f–k up” is appropriate behavior? That’s not appropriate in any workplace. You can’t condone that. If I was a GM I’d want to know who that guy was. I don’t want THAT kind of attitude on my team.

I’m sure God really appreciates all the prayers he gets from players on each team every Sunday asking him to help them rip the heads off of opposing players.
Still, a smart team can make this work for them. Take the US Government. They found a creative solution to budget shortfalls requring them to consider suspending Saturday service.
Just get the Jehovah’s Witnesses to deliver the mail for free.
It’s a win win – they’re out and about anyway and would welcome a situation where people don’t run the other way when they approach.

I would like him a lot more if he would keep his religous views to himself. Nobody likes a Bible pusher. Its people like him that scare others away from church.
Hey Tim, God doesn’t give a sh!t about you scoring high on the wonderlic, or your football career, so shut the fk up man!

Tebow, that is the best advice you will ever receive in your life: STFU. Be as Christian as you want, pray as much as you want. Nobody minds that. But, unless you want to annoy the crap out of a certain % of people, just STFU about it.
Now, bring on all those who will claim that Tebow is being “persecuted for his beliefs”. You know it’s coming!

As a Christian man I know that Tebow will be ok with sharing his faith and Preaching to people.
I am actually praying for him so that he could be the light that God wants him to be in the dark and separated from God, section of the NFL.
I also do not think that he will be a problem in the locker room.
I mean there will be men that listen and others that suppress the truth
Romans 1:18
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

I feel bad for Tebow but he cant expect everyone to believe the same things he does.
You got a huge melting pot of guys from all different kinds of backgrounds…
Brian Dawkins found a way to do it and not be scorned but he is also a very phenomenal player. (Plus he kicks ass while singing Alleluia)

Well as much as people of different beliefs or no beliefs at all have to be respectable towards Christians, it goes the other way too. Tebow can’t just try to push his faith on people, that was wrong.. He could have prayed before he went in there..

The real question is what would happen to this site if Bret Favre retired and Tim Tebow never existed. All you would be left with is Florio combing other sites headlines and adding his own bad jokes to them.
You suck Florio. I remember when this site had inside scoops and reported hard hitting issues. Just another piece of proof that everyone eventuallys sells out and starts to suck at life.

Is this as true as your “Big Ben/Arnold Palmer” story that was later proven false or as true as your “Terry Bradshaw is dead” story that was later proven false?
I’m trying to figure out the scale of b.s. on your “per a league source” stories…

Just because you say you’re not “passing judgement on this one” doesn’t make it so. As a parent which would you be more proud of, the Tebow comment or the shut the f up response? Which is more offensive? Why does this country now seem to stick up for any religious practice or ideology as long as it’s not Christian.

Welcome to the NFL Tebow, that was one of you peers laying the smack down! lol
I’m tired of athletes thanking God or Jesus for helping them smite the other guy. Especially in boxing. One guy beats the other to a pulp and leaves with a busted lip, eye hanging out of the socket, senseless and drooling but then comes the “I’d like to thank God the almighty, he knew how hard this was for me…”
Too funny.

As if the stupidity inherent in praying that people do better on a test weren’t obvious, to the extent that Tebow is going to waste his time bowing his head, he should be praying that he gets drafted at all.

I like Tebow. I think he has a great attitude, and an even better work ethic.
In saying that, he should keep his beliefs personal. Why ask everyone in the room to pray? Why not just do it himself… not everyone is a Christian/Catholic etc etc..

the “shut the fu.k up kid will learn,most of these immature kids are the same way,until something happens to them and then they go running to god,,ah la ray lewis,as soon as “god” helped him through his trial,he hasnt stopped the preaching since,the ironic thing is,somebody that stupid as to insult a persons religon will be the one who is gonna be making it rain i n some strip bar or,caught drinking and driving and say,”mr goodell i have turned my life over to god will you please,with a cherry on top,give me just one more try”. Another funny thing is,that dude who made tht statement probably only won half as much in his career so far and is just jealous of tebows success

Said one of the other players in response: “Shut the f–k up.” Others players in the room then laughed.
———————————————–
thank you, who ever you are
I wonder if Tim says a prayer prior to each time he takes a dump?
think about it…..

This is too DAMN funny…………Basically you have a room full of guys on a job interview….And then you have this complete jackass trying to shove his religious beliefs down everyone’s throat…I think Shut the F!!! up was a pretty mild response….This is the real world Timbo. no coach Meyer to sculpture a team around you,no adoring student body to praise everything you think or do, you can pray from dawn til dusk, you either have the talent or you don’t, either get paid or ya wont….As far as i’m concerned, somebody should have gotten up, slapped his self righteous ass and then told him to shut theF!!! up…..

You have Tebows group of what 12-15-20-30 players?
Most are what? 19-23 year old Punks! and a few that are actually respectful and mature.
in the NFL some people might say that, but also there is a maturity level. And a group full of 20 year old wanna be thugs (10-1 it was a black guy that said Shut the F@ck Up!)
Tebow’s love of the game, for his team. And willing to do what it takes to win! He has passion for football.
God bless him!

Tim Tebow is working to prevent his Sodomite teammates from being cast into the fiery depths of hell, which is exactly where EVERY ONE of you are going.
As is it clearly written in the Bible, Psalm 11:5-7, The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
His word is unmistakable, and you Sodomites will spend eternity in hell, along with the rest of the mockers of His word.

I’m always amazed at the vitriol and hatred that comes pouring at when a strong Christian stands up. One man makes a simple request, another launches a childish, foul-mouthed attack. Those of you (including you, Florio) who’re expressing admiration for the attacker are pathetic.
Personally, I don’t think Tebow should have entered the draft and I wish he hadn’t. But I’d love to see him become a standout player just to make you people (maybe) realize what petty, viscous souls you have.

chupamilto21,
It always amazes me how guys like you believe so emphatically. There is no proof of the story of the bible. I’m sure a guy named Jesus existed and there were a lot of stories written. It doesn’t make them true. Could you imagine if David Copperfield (magician) lived back then. We’d be worshiping him today.
Why do I say these things? Well, it’s because you believe so emphatically that you think it is your right and duty to push your beliefs on others and you believe other Christians, like Tebow, should do the same.
Did you ever stop to think that you may be wrong? Maybe you don’t have the story straight. There certainly is a large portion of Americans that follow the bible blindly without thinking about it logically. (By the way, I’m not painting all Americans with that brush)
Show me some proof before you push your beliefs. And I mean REAL proof, not a book that is a compilation of hand picked stories to make a man look like a god.

especially in a locker room of grown men who choose to keep their beliefs to themselves
And how would you know, Florio? There are many believers in the NFL. Heck, half of both teams pray at the 50 yard line. I’m sure it’s not uncommon for one or 2 guys to sit together and read the Bible from time to time in the locker room.

Okaaaaay…now I get it. Had Timmy been able to finish the prayer, Jesus would have helped him get a higher score. He needs to make sure he’s praying every night that God will give him a quicker release. That new quick motion might work in his underwear with no pressure around but I can’t wait to see him try and remember to use it when some huge lineman is looking to knock him into next week.

It’s astonishing in this day and age, how many seemingly intelligent people still believe in a sky pilot.
There are basically four main entities that govern our world;
– big business
– big government
– organized crime
– and organized religion
All four have two things in common;
– they prey on people’s fears
– and they all profit from that
Of the four only organized crime can be considered honest, as they are they only one that doesn’t pretend to be something other than what they really are.
ie; if you borrow 10 grand from Lefty the loan shark and don’t pay up, he will break your legs, something he surely will have explained in advance.
the other three? they just pretend to be your friend and guardian while emptying your wallet…

In what regular work setting is it appropriate to ask to pray before a meeting?
“Ok, before we look at this quarter’s free cash flow numbers, let us bow our heads and…”
Tebow needs to grow up and realize that not everyone shares his beliefs, for better or for worse.

This is one area where Canada got it right over the U.S.
In Canada the Charter of Rights has been interpreted to mean not only Freedom of Religion but also Freedom FROM Religion. Nobody should have to have someone else’s beliefs forced on them.
If I want to believe that all mankind evolved from pumpkins I should have that right. If I stood in a room and asked everyone to pray to the Great Pumpkin I’m sure there would be a more than a few comments.
Tebow better get used to it. And those ‘prayer circles’ at the center of the field are voluntary.

If God is all powerful–can he make a rock so large that even he can’t lift it??
Kudos to George Carlin for that smart-ass question.
Religion is personal.
Don’t push ‘your stuff’ onto ‘my stuff’
Tebow needs to figure this out

To those of you attacking Florio after he wrote an information piece…neutral with with no pro or anti-Jesus tone: “Shut the f–k up.” To the player who shouted Shut the f–k up, nice self-control and tolerance. How about chatting with Tebow afterwards to explain he was an ass for imposing his religion. Your response was as offensive as Tebow’s attempt save everyone.

THIS DID NOT HAPPEN —- Mike Floria is a stupid ass. This is such a joke!
Going to the NFLdraft combine is like a job interview. Why would a player say that and make an ass out of himself?
FLORIA can you explain this?
cause its BS!

Barring my comments on here towards packer fans, I consider myself a decent christian, but this is getting obnoxious with Tebow. a decent kid that wins football games, but like florio mentioned before, the fact that the bible itself warns against people like this that do all their praying in the spotlight, should be a heads up to alot of people. not saying that it will make him a better or worse teamate, or QB, and there are certainly worse things that a person can be doing, but enough is enough allready.

floriosadildo says:
March 23, 2010 7:56 PM
God doesn’t watch football.
If he did, cheerleaders would be totally naked.
I’ve prayed for it many times and I know I’m not the only one.
Funny. I have to admit and may I add that I look forward to your prayers being answered!
An additional note: The Steelers started a cheer leading squad last year. What happened? They made the team.

Do you seriously believe that an NFL team would be afraid to draft Tim Tebow because of his religious beliefs and the effect it might have in a locker room? If a team chooses not to draft him, it will be because they don’t think he can play in the NFL. There are a ton of current and former players who are very religious, and more than a few have worn it on their sleeves. Have you ever been in an NFL locker room before in your life?

“John El Way says:
March 23, 2010 7:33 PM
“Said one of the other players in response: “Shut the f–k up.” Others players in the room then laughed.”
hahahahahaha, awesome.”
My thoughts EXACTLY, John El Way!

I agree that you shouldn’t push religion on others and I do not actively practice any religion. But, what is it with Libs hating religion, unless your Muslim, at which point they like you and want to give you rights because your somehow oppressed…and by oppressed I mean you stand by and tolerate and make excuses for cowardly terrorists from your religion…just to clarify what I mean by oppressed.

Fred Phelps: Always remember the lost do not even know they are lost. Their mockery of Tebow is motivated by unclean spirits straight out of hell. God left so much evidence in the Universe of who He is and how He operates none of us will have an excuse for failing to honor Him. Tebow obviously prefers praise from God more than praise from men. I suppose the mockers here would prefer role models like Rapistberger.

First off im an athesist, but I dont have a problem with people asking to pray. But only on the condition that they ask for people to join, Not to force the classroom to do so. The latter deserves a STFU.
If a fellow peer was muslim and asked the classroom to kneel on a carpet pointed east and end a prayer with Allah Akbar, somehow I don’t think Tebow would have appreciated that. Tebow gives me the sense that he feels he has a sense of entitlement because of the god he prays too

it is interesting to note we are trashing the player who tried to pray as an bad guy, a zealot,thief and lier. But the player who dropped the f -bomb is not mentioned as anything but the good guy. Which one would you rather your kids hear? A prayer or the f-bomb?

Guys and gals- I am astonished at how much hatred and vitriol has been expressed in these comments toward ANY group of people. The haters are out- and there is no denying it. What is means to me is that all of you haters are wrong and we Christians must have something right because we are definitely on a better track! Thanx for that confirmation haters!

Florio:
Seriously, get off Tebow’s Tip! He is on a mission!
He is gonna lead the Redskins to the promise land after they take him in the second behind the “new” hogs o-line anchored by Okung taken in the first!

Maybe Tim should start a list of things he needs to learn as he transitions into the pro’s. He can cross them off one by one, until he can say he’s learned them all. At that point, he’ll be a pro.
#1 – Change my slow & wacky wind-up. Check.
#2 – Do what is asked of me without making an event out of it. ____
#3 – Don’t make prayer requests of others, unless and until I earn that privilege. ____
#4 – Respect others’ beliefs as I would have them respect mine. ____
#5 – Once I get on a team, don’t invade private areas of my teammates’ lives until I’ve at least learned all their names. ____
#6 – Subordinate my desire to evangelize, to concentrating on my big new job. Pick up everything that’s being laid down. Focus on learning the playbook and earning my pay.____
#7 – Understand that leadership isn’t about presumptive imperatives. Even those who eventually become leaders, have a lot to learn, and the learning comes first.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
The irony here is we root for killers, drug addicts and liars but have a problem with Tebow for being devout in his beliefs. He is followin God’s command to all of his children.
God’s desire is to reach the lost of this world and bring them into fellowship with Himself. He “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9) and
would “have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). After all, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Therefore we should not be surprised at the command to make disciples since that has been God’s intention from the beginning.
So if Tebow is wrong what’s the worse that can happen? He lived a morally clean life? For the unbeliever what if you are wrong?

“I feel bad for the guy who said that and the people who laughed. It seems harder for athletes to be good people, Tebow is a breath of fresh air.”
so people who don’t pray every second are bad people? This jackass was about to take TEST. To ask (A) God to help you on your test? That is beyond being narcissistic.

Probably because it’s 2010 and nobody believes in that bullshit anymore. We now know that the earth shakes because tectonic plates rub together and sometimes they slip, causing violent earthquakes. Not because the world sins and god shows his vengeance. Grow up Tebow, it’s a make believe fantasy spun by a lunatic 2000 years ago.

the challenges that face Tebow? seriously have you seen the prayer circles on the field after the games? Or the players kneeling and praying when someone is hurt?
I would think the one that needs the change in attitude is the punk the yelled out the obscenity. Love to see what happens to the dumbass the first time he tells Ray Lewis to shut the f%#@ up

Now I hate Tebow as much as the next guy, but I have a very close friend on the UF basketball team who swears he has confirmation and proof that Tebow slept with Erin Andrews. Yeah it could just be a fake….but it also could’ve happened. I think the bible thumping is an act, and I at least have to give him some minimal credit for that one.

Brett Favre had the same Wonderlic score as Tebow: 22. Pro Bowl quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw, Steve McNair and Randall Cunningham had a Wonderlic score of 15. Percy Harvin, the 2009 NFL Rookie of the Year, had a Wonderlic score of 12.
Conversely, NFL bust Drew Henson had a Wonderlic score of 42. In case you’re wondering, Pat McInally is the only player to ever earn a perfect score of 50.
Oh, & I’d like to buy the guy a beer who told TeBoo to STFU

“I see players kneel in prayer in the locker room quite often, so perhaps this should be an indictment on the player that said “shut he f’ up” instead of on Tebow?”
Nope, sorry. If Tebow wanted to say a prayer in his head before he took the test, there would have been no problem. The problem began when he tried to involve the other players, many of whom likely don’t believe in the storybook that he holds so dear.
I’m going to personally say a prayer to Zeus, Prometheus and Hermes in hopes that Tebow has learnt his lesson.

I am not backing him one way or another. But from what I see from attending 10 games a year and watching others for decades, the F____ in shut up dude to me will be the one out of step at the next level.
From WR looking up and thanking God after a score to the Church meeting held after the games at midfield I think Tebow will fit right in.

Is he entitled to his beliefs? Of course, sure, whatever.
But please- keep your self-righteous religion to yourself Mr. Tebow. It may sound harmless to a lot of you, hey he’s just trying to be a good guy, right?
No.
These charismatic feel-good-story ultra christians are the people who make our laws. They are the people you feel safe voting for, and thus they get the real power in this country.
Don’t think Tebow has a shot at public service, think again. He is perfect, especially as this poor persecuted little lamb (sheep is more fitting).
The less we hear from the living martyrs the better, thanks!

“In what regular work setting is it appropriate to ask to pray before a meeting?
“Ok, before we look at this quarter’s free cash flow numbers, let us bow our heads and…”
Tebow needs to grow up and realize that not everyone shares his beliefs, for better or for worse.”
And how has that worked out so far…..
This country is going bankrupt and is losing a moral compass. I applaud Tebow because he probably knew he would get laughed at and he despite that he still stood for what he believes in. All that are mocking him need to respect his beliefs instead of mocking them even if you don’t believe what he does.

@if yer not first. The difference is, the players in the circles chose to pray, while in this instance, Tebow attempting to “force” people too.
There is a big difference.
Your attitude of entitlement is at the root of the problem

lol @ all of you who have never played football at a high level thinking that prayer isn’t a very regular occurrence on a football team
praying for the well being of your players and the opposing players before the game is perfectly fine moron. If you’re praying to win a game, you gotta be a real dirtbag.

I hate that verse bullsh*t he puts on his eye black. While he is an exceptional athlete outwardly expressing your beliefs is not necessary nor welcome. I wish athletes would keep their beliefs to themselves and just play the sport that they chose.

As long as there are tests there will always be prayers.
You anti-American left wing atheists who have no moral standards or belief in the Creator really are a rotten bunch of humans.
Your eternal damnation is no ones fault except your own. Your hatred of the truth is astounding.

I guess the true test for anyone who can read for comprehension–and granted, that leaves only half of the posters here–is reading Revelations. Read it and wonder if it all has anything pertinent to today’s times.
Then come back and tell me how it’s all fairy tales. Very soon, you’ll get the chance to see for yourselves, one way or the other.

“His word is unmistakable, and you Sodomites will spend eternity in hell, along with the rest of the mockers of His word. ”
He that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. — Exodus 21:15
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. — Proverbs 30:17
And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. — 2 Kings 2:23-24
Six days my work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. —
Exodus 31:13-15
Why don’t you go ahead and explain these to me.
You and I will end up in the exact same place…6 feet under.
Keep your ridiculous opinions to yourself. You make your kind look even more pathetic than you already are.

Why do some people believe that, just because Tebow gets bagged on for being overtly, gotta-remind-you-every-second-that-he’s-ultra religious, that that means those people bagging on him are somehow “anti” religion?
I’m not anti religion at ALL- yet I find ANYONE who constantly has to remind everyone around them that they are super religious to be annoying. It’s not about religious beliefs, it’s about being a broken record where you talk about, or invoke, the same idea or philosophy or subject over and over and over- in everything you do and say, around everyone you meet.
THAT, my friends, is annoying.
It doesn’t have to be about religion. If you meet someone who never shuts up about, say, politics, THAT gets old too. Or it could be someone who does nothing but complain all day to everyone. Annoying.. yet, people aren’t going to freak out, defending the complainer that free speech is a right and the person should be able to bitch and moan all day. Well, some people see the ultra religious- the ones who have to interject religion into everything, 24/7, to be the same type of annoying figure.
Few have a problem with Tebow’s religiousness. Many have a problem with the way he seems to ram it down the throats of all within earshot by never shutting up about it for 2 seconds.

For theuncletodd!!!!!!!!!!
God the Father can make the rock
God the Son can lift the rock
God the Holy Ghost can not lift the rock
pretty simple except for non belivers next tradgedy that stikes you or yours and you can pray to George Carlin I guess

Well, Mike, I’m sure you could care less now that you’re a big shot (cough) but your willingness to “report” something as insignificant as Tebow’s religious beliefs has cost you one reader that’s been with you since long before the NBC contract.
Matter of fact, I think I’ll just stop visiting MSNBC as well.
You can agree or disagree with what the kid believes, but don’t publish quotes that disparage him for having the b@lls to stand up for what he believes in. He risks much more than what most of these “men” would risk for what they believe.

I have certainly joined in the chorus of snide remarks on this board about Tebow, and I look forward to doing so again in the future.
But, it is amazing that, in a country with a vast majority of Christians, these Christians immediately complain of persecution and bigotry when someone questions their beliefs or, (insert alien deity here) forbid, objects to their preaching. Exercising the balance of power in society is not enough for these people. The rest of us must suffer them in silence and endure their proselytizing with a smile.
Everyone else’s beliefs in myths and fairy tales can be condemned and quashed – at the point of a bayonet if necessary – but a criticism of their self-righteousness cannot be tolerated.
If you wish to believe that an alien came down to earth to impregnate a human so that he could be put to death by other humans only to rise to the heavens to save you from death’s inevitable toll – Fine! Just don’t ask me to participate in it while I am trying to fulfill my lifelong dream of playing professional football.
In fact, please don’t tell me about it at all!
Churches are as ubiquitous as convenience stores in this country. Go find one, but leave the rest of us alone.

F*ck Tebow. I’m so bummed out that this zealot is and has been using Football as his platform of speech. I don’t give two sh^ts about his religion or his beliefs. Thankfully, he will be out of the NFL in a couple of years and he can go back to whatever backwater hick town he’s from and preach from his pulpit or run for office and join the other ignorant zealots.

Florio, how did you become an “expert” without ever watching a single football game? I know I can say that is true because if you had seen any game, you would know that every, single player that has a microphone put in front of him thanks “the Good Lord for his God-given ability.” Your idiotic post pretends that Tebow is the only religious person on the planet. Then you would have us believe that you’re only “reporting the facts” and not placing judgement.

Yeah, this story probably isn’t true. Just saying.
Regardless, I am pretty confident that if Tebow gets his mitts on an NFL franchise, there will be no few teammates who begin praying and pleading to God much more frequently.

Look, I’m not that religious but the reaction of that other player was disgusting. Immature and rude. If there were guys there who hold religious beliefs and wanted to join Tebow in prayer then they should have. Otherwise the other player should have just “STFU.” Respect others beliefs – Tebow wasn’t pushing it here – it was a request and some might have wanted to do that.
This is done all the time – in locker rooms, on the field, on the sideline… When I was a walk on in college the coach (Bill Curry) lead us in prayer. It was voluntary. Now, my beliefs aren’t the same as Coach Curry’s but I still chose to join him.
Florio: The way you say it, you act like inviting people to pray is cause for castigation. There is nothing unusual here. You seem to have a hard on for Tebow, and will use anything to try to take him to task. Leave the kid alone.
As for the player who said “STFU,” I see you don’t name him… perhaps you should so coaches can put another negative next to his name.
As for the clods on this forum who think it’s funny – take a look in the mirror. Last time I checked, we lived in the U.S. of A, and that means we are FREE to ask people to pray with us, we are FREE to do it or not and we are FREE to be an ignoramus and say STFU. You are even free to make complete asses of yourselves by responding in kind. It is a FREE country. Let this crap rest, Florio.

“They say the end of the world is near.
They say no one survives,
But have no fear it’s not this year.”
Sleep That Burns,
BeBop Deluxe
The Steelers received two compensatory picks in the fifth round. If Tebow is still on the board that might be a decent move.
GO STEELERS!

i have read so many posts that say,tebow shouldnt force his beliefs on others,,,now call me crazy but i read the same artical as everybody else did,and it stated tebow asked if everyone wanted to bow heads in a prayer,crazy that all these fans of football are posting negitive things about religon,and it has to be a good 80percent of the players and coaches are openly christian,this might not be to holy,but you guys should go F yourselves,,,,morons

Tim Tebow knows that his long term occupation is going to be as a crying slobering Televanglist, so he is seeking all the publicity that he can get. It’s all the same old game.” I’m so blessed, send me your money and you will be blessed to.

I find this sophmoric vitriol about Tebow rather amusing. He didn’t force anything, he asked. GOT IT. For those of you who seem to inch out on the ledge at the mere mention of religion, get a life.
And Florio, we all know how radical your political views are (Remember- Oblermann is a rational and well informed commentator), so why don’t you try and stick to your pedestrian knowledge of football and stay away from subjects that you despise (religion and faith).
For a quasi journalist, you don’t qualify to be considered a hack.

# kinghill says: March 23, 2010 8:37 PM
Please name me the Evidence “He” has left us.
@ DoctorK
Nostradamus “predicited” a bunch of shit that has been “relevant” to today’s times. Why don’t you pray to him?
Can’t say I have ever read the bible, can’t say I ever will. But please remember that this supposed saving religion persecuted such greats as DaVinci and Galileo because they did not follow the churches code, this same saving church is responsible for one of the greatest atrocities in the history of human existence in the Spanish Inquisition, this same saving church spent years attempting to eliminate any competing religion, and this same saving church has had a very bad record in recent times regarding the touching of young boys. Yeah, that is the group I want to look to for guidance, they will surely show me the way.
And for all of you who are posting on here about us non-believers and atheists and heathens, isn’t there something in your religion like “judge not lest ye be judged yourself”? I was wondering because you are all very quick to judge those of us who do not believe in fairy tales.

On the one hand, Tebow’s open call for prayer in the midst of a business setting comes across as quite sanctimonious.
On the other hand, many of these same guys who cursed at Tebow and laughed at him are all too eager to join in group prayer circles on the field or point to the sky after scoring touchdowns. And while Tebow certainly performs public acts of worship (including the Biblical verses on the eye black), at least he seems to demonstrate some form of principled beliefs, both in word and deed.
The cursers and laughers, meanwhile, pray and point skyward in front of the TV cameras, then hit the strip joints with Glocks tucked into the waistband of their sweatpants. Give me Tebow every time.

“The difference is, the players in the circles chose to pray, while in this instance, Tebow attempting to “force” people too. ”
bwaha you’re a dumbass. “Tebow made a request” is the operable phrase, slappy.

# mrphil says: March 23, 2010 8:40 PM
it is interesting to note we are trashing the player who tried to pray as an bad guy, a zealot,thief and lier. But the player who dropped the f -bomb is not mentioned as anything but the good guy. Which one would you rather your kids hear? A prayer or the f-bomb?
…that is exactly right…and i can see why people would get offended, but when did prayer hurt somebody? but a kid can say Shut the F@#$ up…and he is heralded, for what? You cant question Tebow’s leadership….which is refreshing…no matter what happens in his pro career.

A: just because Tebow is religious does not mean he’s a good person (so stop trying to make athletes your role models!)
B: If you believe in god stop pushing your religion on others!
C: If you don’t believe in a god, don’t insult those who do.
D: (AND MOST IMPORTANT) This is a Football site!!! Talk football!

“it is interesting to note we are trashing the player who tried to pray as an bad guy, a zealot,thief and lier. But the player who dropped the f -bomb is not mentioned as anything but the good guy. Which one would you rather your kids hear? A prayer or the f-bomb?”
They feel that he’s a better person than they are so they feel the need to tear him down. They identify with the nameless hater asshole because they’re nameless hater assholes, too.

We see no quotes in the original article and we have no reason to believe that this story is any more true than Florio’s story reporting that Terry Bradshaw died, but it did get Florio a lot of hits on his website and it gave opportunity for many bigots to post about their hatred for Christ.
“There are basically four main entities that govern our world;
– big business
– big government
– organized crime
– and organized religion”
And none of those four have anything to do with Jesus.

Here is the problem with Tebow’s approach from the book in which he finds his own inspiration.
Matthew:
6:5. And when ye pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to
stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they
may be seen by men: Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.
6:6. But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having
shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret, and thy father who seeth
in secret will repay thee.
6:7. And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For
they think that in their much speaking they may be heard.
6:8. Be not you therefore like to them for your Father knoweth what is
needful for you, before you ask him.
In essence, God already said, “Shut the f–k up.”

Sounds like the majority’s reaction on the heath Care Bill and the bleeding hearts in Hollywood telling the middle class what’s best for them.
They should shut the hell up as well. Politics is no different than religion. So shut the hell up about Obama, stop whining about race, stop getting in trouble with the law, and grow the hell up!

All Tebow did was ask to pray before taking the test, and many of you just want to rip him and make jokes and attack the Christian faith. Well we’ll see how funny and tough all of you are on Judgment Day. It’s a coming, big time. For all of us. And as for you that say the Bible is just a bunch of stories and lacks proof-you couldn’t be more wrong. It would be wise to look into it before it’s too late. Don’t just sit in the stands and curse at everybody while you spill your beer on your porn rags. You can start by reading a book called A Case For Christ by Strobel. It was written by an ATHEIST, like many of you seem to be. He searched for the truth and found it. He didn’t just sit there and ASSUME he was right when he was actually wrong. Give it a try. I pray you will.

Tebow may have said a prayer to himself, much like giving thanks before a meal, but he did not receive this alleged reaction.
Typical Florio bullsheit. That pencilnecked midget needs help to wipe his arse.

as a third generation polish-american Muslim i cannot believe the leeway this guy gets. when i was playing ball in college what would have happened if i said i wanted to state a passage from the Koran? you know why i did not try it? because its personal. this kid should just shut up and be thankful that he had an incestuous love affair with his mom. god….i love to eat her pussy.

Actually this piece of sheit – Florio – has ZERO league sources – his spew is courtesy of his half empty brain or is a re-print/post of someone elses work.
Florio did have an original thought one time at band camp – but it died of lonliness.

Probably the most appropriate STFU ever!
I actually think he is not being fake and is actually very religeous. But you don’t tell others when it’s time to pray.
To all of you who say the guy who said STFU is a jerk or whatever…ever think that perhaps Tebow offended him by telling him he should pray?

lol @ all of you who have never played football at a high level thinking that prayer isn’t a very regular occurrence on a football team
praying for the well being of your players and the opposing players before the game is perfectly fine moron. If you’re praying to win a game, you gotta be a real dirtbag.
that’s not the point i’m making, prayer is accepted by the vast majority of players on a football team. doesn’t matter if its before a football game, after practice, in the weight room, etc. it is surprising to hear that someone would actually say that to him.

”
I find this sophmoric vitriol about Tebow rather amusing. He didn’t force anything, he asked. GOT IT. For those of you who seem to inch out on the ledge at the mere mention of religion, get a life.
And Florio, we all know how radical your political views are (Remember- Oblermann is a rational and well informed commentator), so why don’t you try and stick to your pedestrian knowledge of football and stay away from subjects that you despise (religion and faith).
For a quasi journalist, you don’t qualify to be considered a hack. ”
first year college student spotted. lol.

-A bunch of guys are at a job interview.
-One of the guys makes what sounds like a polite request.
-Someone tells the guy to shut the F up.
-Others laugh.
This is being presented as proof that the first guy may have trouble getting the job? And the guy dropping the F bomb is the hero?
The F bomber will join the long list of NFL players arrested for every felony on the books and will bounce from team to team as he continually wears out his welcome in a season or two.

Tim Tebow(note to self): studying would have been a better option than praying
No matter what others say about him but I wish him all the luck for his football career because of all the talent he has shown in the past 4 years but he needs to separate religion from life. And I’m not even atheist!

so instead of condemning the idiot who cursed at a prayer request, you condemn the man who ask for pray? this is probably as true as the “arnold palmer’s grandkids” story, but that won’t stop scum like you from your continuous insane rant against tim tebow. you are truly beneath a piece of shit, florio. you won’t post this, but at least you’ll know what i think. prayer will not even save your blackened soul. and no, i’m not some religious hypocrite, just someone who thinks you’ve gone too far on this young man.
.

Whether you like Florio or not, (and if you don’t you’re a fool), and whether you agree or disagree with some of his comments, you have to admit that without a doubt the comments posted on this site are side splitting funny.
You can’t find funnier content on any so called comedy site on the web.
This stuff is priceless. And it’s free.

This has to be the most idiotic board I have ever read.
Now let me get this straight. All these guys were on edge about there behavior and how to act in front of scouts and give a good accounting of their themselves and show a certain maturity level.
And you want us to believe that some guy trying to move up the draft board ACTUALLY did this???
Talk about feeding any bullshit to the masses and have the “herd” repeat it like it’s gospel.
What a bunch of simpleton’s!!!! Jesus, you people would believe anything!!!!

Christianity is NOT intended to be only personal. We are NOT supposed to keep it to ourselves. Christ calls Christians to spread the gospel and witness throughout the earth. You that say it’s supposed to be personal are ignorant on the subject. I commend Tim for this. This is not the first time he’s been rejected and it surely won’t be the last. He is aware of this. Walking by faith and being a true man of God is not easy and Christ tells us that.

Here is where I think Tebow might run into to trouble. It’s not the Religion part of this that makes me think he is a douche. If Tebow had said “I think every body should take a second to say good luck to the person next to him,” it would be equally douchy. It’s the fact that he thinks he has the right to request anything at all. Most of these guys just want to take the wonderlic and be done with it an Tebow is wasting there time. I would have probably said something in the manner of STFU, probably not that rude because I don’t know Tebow personally so idk what he is really like but something like “no let’s just take the test so we can be done with it.”
If you don’t think this is a huge deal that’s fine I don’t either but I think you guys are crazy for trying to turn this into a positive for Tebow.

Just another example of a home-schooled, socially awkward religious fanatic who has never been socialized to the ways of the real world.
I actually feel bad for the kid because his parents have raised him to be ignorant.

Shut the F%^k up followed by laughs? Yeah let’s give these guys million dollar contracts. I’d rather have a guy QBing my team saying prayers rather than raping co-eds. Kurt Warner didn’t have any trouble getting respect in the locker room, and he didn’t keep religion to himself.

Not even going to read the other comments…a lack of appreciation for God is why we have the America we do now….Not a Tebow fan, but really…is that the best response for someone who wants to pray with others? It could have been put a nicer way.

Buff bronc, he knows more about the real world than you think. He’s witnessed all over the world and his parents raised him to be a true man of God. He will be rewarded for that as well. Don’t pity him, pity yourself for not following Christ.

Jeremy223 says: March 23, 2010 11:42 PM
“Christianity is NOT intended to be only personal. We are NOT supposed to keep it to ourselves. Christ calls Christians to spread the gospel and witness throughout the earth. You that say it’s supposed to be personal are ignorant on the subject.”
This, Sir, is strictly your opinion based on what you believe. Just because you’ve been taught to spread your beliefs does not make it so, and calling others ignorant shows your own ignorance.

“I would like him a lot more if he would keep his religous views to himself. Nobody likes a Bible pusher. Its people like him that scare others away from church.”
This is one of the dumbest comments in this story. The entire purpose of going to church is to have the Bible “pushed” on you. If your default stance towards religion is hostility, then you’re not likely to go to church anyway.

In other news, I just asked the those around me in the coffee shop to join me in prayer before I posted this comment.
No, I didn’t really, but my point is: a prayer before the wonderlic? Why not ask your team to pray before every drill on the practice field, or before every single team meeting?
Having a TRADITIONAL locker room prayer before a game and an ELECTIVE prayer circle on the field after a game, yeah, no big deal. I’m not religious at all and that wouldn’t bother me because one is traditional and the other is elective.
But asking those around you to pray before something like the “are you a dunce” test is going so far overboard that I’m now convinced he’ll be a major headache to whoever drafts him. He should be praying he gets drafted at all at this point.

Jesus said this:
Matthew 6:5-6 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

I have read many posts on this site, but I have never registered to this site until tonight. I felt compelled to respond to some of the most vicious replies regarding Tebow’s religious beliefs and making fun of him and thinking it was funny that someone used the F word, because they didn’t like Tebow suggesting that everyone pray to pass the test. I understand that most of you do not believe in God or agree with Tebow’s beliefs, but there is no reason to crucify the man for standing up for what he believes.
Matt 7:2-5 “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged [if we judge with an evil heart or dark intent, His judgment of us will reflect it; if we judge nobly with honesty and justice, His judgment of us will reflect that, too], and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you [if we use extremes or exaggerations or other ignoble means, our judgment will reflect it and judging with fairness and compassion will garner likewise in His judgment of us]. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye [point out his sins, “minor” in Jesus’ example here] and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye [our own sins, even and especially those we will not admit, magnified by our selective blindness]? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ [tell him of his “minor” sins] when all the time there is a plank in your own eye [that there are greater or the same sins in our own lives which we do nothing about or think we are above]? You hypocrite* [pointing out the sins of others while by pretense thinking of ourselves as above sin], first take the plank out of your own eye [sincerely ask the Lord for forgiveness and learn and live the Truth and Light by His Word], and then you will see clearly [be in a righteous position] to remove the speck from your brother’s eye [to judge and to help him out of his bondage to sin].” At Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan, Jesus was talking to the multitudes gathered there after hearing of His message and of His healings to beseech them to not become like the pharisees and hypocrites who think they are above sin. (reference above found @ http://www.capalert.com/judgenot.htm)
In other words, nobody is without sin except for Jesus.
I believe that Tim Tebow has a calling on his life and whichever NFL team that drafts him will get a guy that will work hard everyday to better his skills as a QB and in a couple years will be a quality starting QB and will lead his team to the playoffs and eventually the Super Bowl. Throughout his career he will have a platform to be a witness for God wherever he goes. He will be successful because he put the hard work in and he will be obedient to what God is telling him to do, so God will give him great favor in whatever he does. He reminds me alot of a young Kurt Warner in his zeal for God.
My prayer for each of you who do not believe there is a God or who have not asked Jesus in your heart as your personal Saviour will repent of your sins and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. It is the most important decision you will ever make. Then you will experience all that God has for you and you can live a life of great blessing and you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will go to Heaven when you die. It is not too late, but time is getting short on this earth and prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes in the news all the time. If you do not believe me, I challenge you to read the book of Revelation in the Bible. If that doesn’t get you to believe nothing will. God Bless!

Hahaha, this pretty much made my day. I’m sure the other guy was just fed up with Tebow’s ego, it’s pretty rare to find an atheist football player. These are after-all modern day gladiators, bronze over brains.

# Bob Nelson says: March 23, 2010 9:23 PM
As long as there are tests there will always be prayers.
You anti-American left wing atheists who have no moral standards or belief in the Creator really are a rotten bunch of humans.
Your eternal damnation is no ones fault except your own. Your hatred of the truth is astounding.
—————————————————-
So it’s safe to assume that you think that all Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and atheists will all burn in your “hell” because they weren’t raised like you?
Pat Tillman was an atheist. Does that mean that he’s eternally damned?
To the point of the story and to those defending Tebow, can you imagine taking a placement test for a job with a group of strangers, and out of nowhere some oddball asks that everyone bow their heads in prayer?

Apparently Florio is quite a religious fanatic, he’s certainly been on a “crusade” against Tim Tebow.
Once again Florio, you’ve shown your obvious contempt for anyone whose faith you can mock. The piece you did on Rex Ryan’s lapband surgery was very compasionate as well. But I know you write from the perspective of being the perfect man, which makes it difficult to relate to lesser humans like Tebow & Ryan. Well except for that ‘Kornheiseritis’ you have, too chickens–t to fly. Maybe you could get a hate show on cable news. I bet it would be a big hit with all the “Basement Boys” that respond in a like way to the crap you spew.
This site is becoming more like TMZ than the Pro Football Talk it’s billed as.

Placing a call to the Seven Day Adventist in NYC on behalf of PFT, Terry Bradshaw is coming to your office to sing Gospel. Cris Carter will chime in along with the wife of the late MINISTER of DEFENSE, Reggie White. They’ll sing and sing until your ears bleed.
You’ll be clamoring for Tebow to say a little harmless prayer in no time at all. ; )

polishkingski says:
March 23, 2010 10:40 PM
as a third generation polish-american Muslim i cannot believe the leeway this guy gets. when i was playing ball in college what would have happened if i said i wanted to state a passage from the Koran? you know why i did not try it? because its personal. this kid should just shut up and be thankful that he had an incestuous love affair with his mom. god….i love to eat her pussy.
Really…as an atheist nothing is more laughable than seeing a Muslim get on their high horse. No religion is more sexist and discriminatory than that piece of garbage. Go ahead an bash Christianity which is annoying, but you are the everyday threat to domestic livelihood. You are a sanctimonious piece punchline just like your religion. I laugh every time I see you holding hands with your girlfriend who looks like something from Star Wars. Most religions are funny, yours is scary.
Also, who yelled STFU. You let identify Tebow, but not the opposition. Why the anonymity?

As long as there are tests there will always be prayers.
You anti-American left wing atheists who have no moral standards or belief in the Creator really are a rotten bunch of humans.
Your eternal damnation is no ones fault except your own. Your hatred of the truth is astounding.
This is probably the most anti-American statement on here. Basically, you are saying that if people dont believe what you believe then they are traitors. That kind of sounds, I dont know, a Theocracy. Hows the weather in Iran this time of year?

You pathethetic petty little pukes with your pre-pubescent gutter-speak. Thinking you’re sooooo Bad with your F-Bomb potty mouthed rants. You spew hatred at a guy (Tim Tebow) whose jock you couldn’t carry on your best day.
The Bible has terms for you – mockers and scoffers. And it has your destination lined up too, unless you fall on your knees and beg God to forgive you of your vile ways. The Good News is He will. Which just goes to show how much greater and forgiving He is, because I would sure have a hard time exonerating such miserable examples of wasted DNA that I see from most of the posters here.
I would love to have Tebow on my team, or as my neighbor. Fantastic football player – even better man.
And Florio, now I see why all of the posters on the Bengals message boards regard you as the Poster Boy for the Crappy (Pseudo)Journalist Telethon.

I Love Tebow the player and went to UF!! BUT:
Respect the place of BUSINESS Tebow. It is unprofessional period. The response was inappriate as well (although hilarious! why else would the crowd laugh?).
It’s not a fun position to be in, if you are the minority atheist and an “innocent” prayer request “outs” you. Christians do discriminate against atheists (most of whom try stay private out of respect to your beliefs) but they justify it to themselves because they are following God’s orders. Don’t beleive it….. Can I date your daughter?
We all have a freedom of religion AND freedom fom religion in America.
If you really are a christian:
-Stop condemning every non-born again person in the world to hell ….. it’s as rude as saying STFU and it is your bosses job, not yours
-Stop calling players thugs and bringing up guns…. it’s racist.
-Stop talking about sodomy…. it’s creepy and not a subject churches really want to be talked about (glass houses and all)
-Stop blaming the world’s problems on non-believers – it makes no sense
America is a free country and the only thing that really threatens that is religious zealotry! Where in the world can atheists live if not here. Where can the homosexuals live if not here. Would you christian haters just send us all to the gas chambers that you are so paranoid Obama is building for you?

From an outsider looking in at this Tebow debate; if he’s this passionate about his religion, why not become a man of the cloth instead of an NFL QB?
And for any team concerned about him being overzealous; just put it in his contract that he can’t preach or he’ll lose game day money. This would be a tougher challenge than the Wonderlic. 😉

Challenges, Florio? They often show Ray Lewis leading players in prayer before games, and I’ve never heard you express any thoughts about the challenges that must bring. Because it doesn’t bring any. Players will participate if they want to. Every team has guys who pray together.

This is a highly, highly dubious story.
Who in that room could be considered a “league source? Was it the person administering the test? An undrafted player? Are there people standing around in the room watching these guys take the test? Who are they? What “league source” in that room would run to the nearest communication device, thinking to themselves, “I must inform PFT, STAT!!!”
But I’ll play along. Seems to me that the young lad tried to offer up something good and peaceful into the situation, and some lost soul spewed out some hell-influenced drivel from his hell-influenced brain.
But alas, it didn’t happen. It might be an imaginary scene from Mr. Florio’s Uncirculated Novel of the Future, or perhaps it’s just something that emerged from Mr. Florio’s imaginary source.
Consider yourself “called out” on this one, Mr. Florio.

“But I’ll play along. Seems to me that the young lad tried to offer up something good and peaceful into the situation, and some lost soul spewed out some hell-influenced drivel from his hell-influenced brain.”
He can try to pass his religion all he wants…. in Church.

Florio, you write like you’ve never been in an NFL locker room. The amount of religious speech, prayer and imagery that flies around far exceeds what likely happened with Tebow in the horribly-sourced, mean-spirited article you “wrote.”
From a journalistic perspective, the player who told Tebow to shut up is really the interesting one – would he tell Ray Lewis to shut up? Would he tell Dungy? How about Jason Witten? And Lovie Smith? I guess he can count on not getting drafted by the Bears. Why aren’t you covering the ACTUAL, REAL example of a player that made a choice that is likely to have ACTUAL consequences, instead of the one that appeals to your worldview?
The real question, which you elude entirely but which I believe your entire story hinges on, is HOW he asked. You present it as if he told everyone they were going to pray together; in all likelihood, he asked if anyone wanted to pray with him. There’s a huge, huge difference, and it’s a difference you are aware of – but you chose not to point it out, to insinuate the more embarassing outcome.
Florio, when real journalists become excessively biased on a topic, they must either force themselves to take an objective tone or recuse themselves. You’ve shown yourself incapable of doing the former, so kindly do the latter before you embarass yourself further.

FYI . . .
The bible is not the word of God, it’s the word of men giving their opinions, thoughts, impressions, interpretations and feelings of what they believe to be God. And the bible read today is at best 30% of the original opinions, thoughts, impressions, interpretations and feelings .
Tiger was right, let Buddha into your life !!

here’s the problem….he should be totally able to claps his hands, bow his head and pray…SILENTLY, TO HIMSELF. once he makes public requests that others do what he wants, that where he is wrong. religious ppl need to understand we are not all religious and not all of us care, and when we dont, its not a dig on you but rather other ppl exercising THEIR beliefs.
i hope the Chiefs draft the player who told him to shut the eff up!!

Considering that more often than not, when a player in any sport does well these days, he/she usually thanks & credits God and considering in the NFL, there is always a prayer circle on the field after a game, I think Tebow’s beliefs will be more welcome than not to the other players.

How do you figure on calling it a locker room full of grown men who keep their beliefs to themselves? They have prayer groups and bible study all the time at the facilities for all of the teams. Just ask Ben Watson. Personally, I think the whole thing is asinine and clearly the result of man’s inability to accept his own mortality, but it is a stretch to suggest that Tebow will stick out like a sore thumb in an NFL locker room.

“Tiger was right, let Buddha into your life !!”
Yeah that worked out reaaaaaaaalllll well for that role model!
“Florio, when real journalists become excessively biased on a topic, they must either force themselves to take an objective tone or recuse themselves.”
REAL journalists don’t become biased on a topic. REAL journalists don’t really exist anymore.

“it’s annoying”…”it’s not welcomed”…and one of my favorites – “Keep your ridiculous opinions to yourself. You make your kind look even more pathetic than you already are.” This comes from someone who reads a site that is FILLED with ridiculous opinions on a daily basis.
I have to admit I’m a little baffled when it comes to the lack of tolerance for another’s beliefs, whether it be religious, political, social, economical or a myriad of other issues. Seriously, how does someone else’s views and opinions really & truthfully effect your lives? If you don’t like it, how about ignoring it? Of course that takes a level of maturity not often displayed on this site (admittedly self included at times).
Nobody likes self-righteous spirituality, but isn’t the intent of someone’s actions or words the true measure of how they should be judged? Does anyone really think Tebow meant anything bad by asking if they could all pray? The mere mention of anything religious (from any religion) is not in and of itself pushing the religion on someone.
stnmmc – you clearly have never read any of Nostradamus’ writings.
this class sucks – some valid points, the guys probably just wanted to the thing over with.

I think that while Tebow has the right to pray others have the right not pray. While I commend Tebow as being a good and solid person he should not try to push his beliefs onto others. I also believe that Tebow had phrased his request a bit differently he may not have been met with such resistence and got his idea across as well (e.g. Could I please take a moment in order to pray?). I’m pretty sure that some of the other players may have joined him in doing so or at least had his back if the player in question had still told him to STFU. I’m in no way defending what the other player said to him but if Tebow wants to push religion Tebow should know (right or wrong) that some will push back.

I remember those prayer circles in the locker room and on the field – at least personally they felt awkward and out of place. If it wouldn’t have been disruptive I would have opted out. Why would God pick my side if there’s guys on the other team praying as well?
===================================================
kevinmack says:March 23, 2010 8:05 PM
(10-1 it was a black guy that said Shut the F@ck Up!)
Brilliant observation, Kevin, considering the vast majority of prospects are black. I wish it was harder for people to mix their religion with their bigotry, but apparently its not frowned upon in some places.
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Stetson wears panties says:March 23, 2010 8:31 PM
Imagine Kurt Warner and Teblows on the same team. They would be handing out bibles and touching the rookies.
Too Funny!
===================================================

Prayer Fight!
Regardless of the personality, QB’s have to know how to manage the team’s opinion of them. He’ll be told that he can’t get carried away with his own agenda.
Personally as a fan I’d hate to have him on my team. It would just get old and annoying hearing him plug god every damn time he gets in front of a camera. Kind of obnoxious.
God is great and all but I usually people that always want to talk religion are pretty tough to be around.

Florio you sure know how to drive traffic during the slowest part of the year!
That said it amuses me. Why? I’m glad you asked. Regardless of the validity of the post, the comments expose the horrible hypocrisy associated with far too many of strong religious faith. The anger, disgust, and self-righteousness oozing from the more religious defendants of Tebow’s actions would seem to me to be the exact opposite of what Christianity expects.
It is this double standard that makes people wary and distrustful of organized religion and its walking mouth pieces. If you are going talk the talk then walk the walk…. ‘Of these the greatest is love.’ Pretty sure hate and self-righteousness not in the top ten.

# Sparrowhawk says: March 23, 2010 10:10 PM
We see no quotes in the original article and we have no reason to believe that this story is any more true than Florio’s story reporting that Terry Bradshaw died, but it did get Florio a lot of hits on his website and it gave opportunity for many bigots to post about their hatred for Christ.
“There are basically four main entities that govern our world;
– big business
– big government
– organized crime
– and organized religion”
And none of those four have anything to do with Jesus.
______________________________
Um, Yeah. Maybe when Christianity was first being spread it was not organized and was not necessarily interested in money. As the religion grew and developed they became more ruthless and greedy. This cracks me up, Christians are so quick to recall the stories in the Bible, but are equally as quick to dismiss or ignore the documented historical facts of the history of their organization.

“Nobody likes self-righteous spirituality, but isn’t the intent of someone’s actions or words the true measure of how they should be judged? Does anyone really think Tebow meant anything bad by asking if they could all pray? The mere mention of anything religious (from any religion) is not in and of itself pushing the religion on someone.”
I don’t think it is so much that they are judging him, people on this site do, but the fact that they are annoyed by it constantly being preched in the media. I for one hate it when people try to talk to me about their religion let alone preach it. I don’t care personally one way or another about what people believe but there is a time and place. Tebow is constantly talking about his religion and if I personally was another player in this room I would have said the same thing. It has to be annoying for them to have to read about it every day when they are themselves trying to make it on pure talent rather than on being a good Christian.

jm says:
March 23, 2010 7:42 PM
…any adult who babbles on in public about their imaginary friend in the sky should expect to have such nonsense ridiculed and laughed at…i guess “shut the f*ck up” would also get the point across!
————————————————–
great post, i’m still perplexed how 15 different religions are worship the same imaginary person, and all 15 have different stories, at least 14 are bullshit

(recent prayer session of Tim Tebow):
Tim Tebow: “God, why is there so much anger in the world toward thine greatness and glory?”
GOD: (in warm yet booming voice) “Tim, my son, as the knowledge of science within man advances the belief in Me descends faster than an expressway elevator to Hell, going down. It is those like you, the meek and humble, who carry the Word of Me who shall persevere the coming Apocalypse.”
T.T.: “The Apocalypse? When will the world face this oncoming catastrophe?”
GOD: “In 2011, when the owners lock out all unionized NFL players and the several hundred of you suddenly have so much free time on your hands that society as you know it crumbles in depravity and sin. You, my son, are one of the few exceptions.”
T.T.: “Why is that, my Lord?”
GOD: “You will have been cut and out of the NFL by next January.”

What is religion?
To me, the initial intent was to bring together a bunch of people and giving them a reason to fly a straight-and-narrow path to being a good person.
However, it has become pretty much everything it intended to prevent. Wars, genocide, persicution, yadda yadda yadda.
News flash: Religion is a joke.
So some guy wrote a story about some magically created baby that grows up and pisses people off, to be executed by the people he was “saving”?
What if I wanted to worship, say, Harry Potter? What if J.K. Rowling is a prophet from “god”, and she writes stories that god tells her to about Harry and a bunch of wizards in a completely other dimension that is magically accessable in England?
How stupid does that sound?
Harry Potter=Religion. Dumb stories that got blown completely out of context, now people feel it is their “duty to god” to make me believe their crap.
All you Christians are just people. You’ll end up in an Urn or 6 feet under like the rest of us. There is no Heaven or Hell, there is no final judgement, etc.
Get over yourselves. If you want to say im ignorant, a bigot, a sinner, whatever, then your the same thing to me in my own personal space.
So as the football player once said to Jesus–I mean Tebow–Shut the f*ck up.

I was tired of Tebow’s holier than thou crap three years ago, I was tired of hearing about how Tebow’s speech after the loss to Ole Miss was the greatest speech of all time(so great in fact that it had to be cast in bronze and sealed in glass on the Florida campus). I got tired of hearing how Tebow fed the hungry, clothed the poor, and gave sight to the blind!! Ya, you can say that I’m pretty tired of hearing about this overrated d-bag, who is not even gonna be a great qb at the next level!!

I think it speaks a lot more about the player that said, “Shut the f–k up.” than it does about Tebow. I’ll take the player that is open about his faith over someone who is as rude and disrespecfull as the other player was. And if that one player wasn’t so disrespectfull, I would bet that most of the others would have joined in the prayer. I would like to know who the other player was. That would be real investigative journalism.

DeLions00 –
Brilliant hypothesis. You must have years of study to come up with that one. Sorry pal but nobody has proof of anything beyond this world so get over yourself.
I am guessing that if Tebow said lets get laid and drunk after the test you would approve. Shows your ignorance and intolerance that it is such a BIG DEAL that a guy might ask if anybody wants to pray. Or maybe it just shows your immaturity that your response would be shut the F*&^ up. What are you 13?

I find it humorous (I really do. I’m actually laughing.) that people want Tebow to shut up about his beliefs, while openly expressing their own beliefs at the same time. Mr. Pot, let me introduce you to Mr. Kettle. I am a believer in Jesus Christ. Plain and simple. A prayer is not forcing your beliefs on someone. A fellow player asking Tim how he felt he did on his test and Tim responding “it doesn’t matter how I did, Jesus saves!” would be forcing “religion” on someone. And spare me the how many of you pray before you go over your spreadsheet arguement. You can’t compare the two. Sports are apples and our daily 9-5 are oranges. No job would touch “us” if we had tortured dogs, (Vick) killed someone drunk driving, (Leonard Little) or been in high profile murder case, (Ray Lewis) let alone give us top dollar after such incidents. Before players leave the lockeroom they have a team prayer, and you better believe the guy won’t tell his coach or the team chaplain to shut the eff up when that time comes. He’ll take a knee like every other player, and bow his head. You think all those guys believe in Jesus? No matter whether the story is true or not, here’s the point. You’re allowed to express your opinion/beliefs about what you believe openly as am I. Will we agree on everything? Nope. But should I respect your opinions/beliefs? Yes. I don’t speak for every Christian, but that’s all I ask for from the people I associate with everyday.

that’s not the point i’m making, prayer is accepted by the vast majority of players on a football team. doesn’t matter if its before a football game, after practice, in the weight room, etc. it is surprising to hear that someone would actually say that to him.
point was, god is not a geenie, Tebow is an ass.

Personally I don’t see the issue with saying ‘god bless you’ to people who sneeze, that’s essentially become a common thing to say, similar to the singing of God Bless America at our nations sporting events; A good majority of Americans either say ‘bless you’ or ‘god bless you,’ unless you’re Jerry Seinfeld, where he says, ‘You’re SOOOOO Good Looking!’
Its funny how outgoing he is about his religious stand point; I found it, however, to be a conflict of interest for him to be charging people $175.00 for his autograph recently. Aren’t christians supposed to be giving? I know he said that a portion would go to charity, but hey, I’ll give a portion of my salary this year (nickels, pennies, and dimes) to a local charity, does that make me great? Who knows how much a portion is? It could mean very little; it could also mean a lot! And I’m also not in the position to get drafted in the NFL and get an immediate paycheck that an average joe could live comfortably for the rest of his life on… The moral is, if you’re going to preach something, shouldn’t you follow by example?
That being said, he should respect the fact that there are other people in the world that do not have the same belief system, rituals, superstitions, etc. Trying to tell someone in a room that they need to do something that they really don’t have to do is disrespectful on Tebow’s part.
Sure, the player that cussed him out didn’t necessarily choose the kindest, most ‘christian’ response, but guess what? He’s probably not christian, and chances are, he’s like me, and doesn’t like people trying to act like they know better than me. Acting like you know something someone else doesn’t know insults one’s integrity; its like saying that they have no brain. I actually applaud the player that swore at Tebow and I imagine that I would have done something similar. If you feel the need to pray… Fine! But don’t make other people in a room uncomfortable by requesting that they join in. Last I checked, prayer can be used in unison AND on an individual basis.
People need to take their belief systems down a notch. This is not being said to disrespect what others feel in their hearts; its to spare those who disagree but try to respect the other person’s beliefs or opinions by keeping quiet. I’d be curious what Tim would have to say if someone who practices Wicca or Buddhism and tried to push one of their beliefs on him…

Like George Carlin said: “organized religion has actually convinced people that there’s an invisible man, who lives in the sky”!! It all goes back to the same thing with Tebag, the scriptures on the eye black, the crying after a loss, that stupid speech that I mentioned earlier……he’s a douchebag!!! I don’t have a problem with people having faith, the problem i have is that 95% of religious people think that everyone should believe what they believe, Tebow writing scriptures on the eye black IS pushing his beliefs on everyone!!!

Hey Mike, to say that you are not trying to pass judgment is a joke. The unmistakable bias of your post is appalling. Second, Tim Tebow has a right to express not only his religious beliefs but also his opinion which is guaranteed him by the US Constitution. To deny him of that is intolerant and un-American. Third, perhaps you can recall names like Reggie White, Kurt Warner, and Mike Singletary? These were all men outspoken about their faith and highly respected around the NFL. Perhaps you would prefer guys like Plaxico Buress, Pacman Jones, and Ryan Leaf?

He did not require anyone to join in all he did was request! The one with the big mouth will have his chance when he he is dead or most likely
in trouble!
Keep in mind it was a request! All you haters look for a chance to write what you would not say in person.
Anybody can hide in a blog!

I am a Tebow fan, but I feel anyone who wanted to bow their heads in prayer would do so without any prompting from him. that being said, how is it that the person who said “shut the f up” is OK. both made an error in judgement. Why is it we foul language and poor behavior more readily????

“As long as there are tests there will always be prayers.
You anti-American left wing atheists who have no moral standards or belief in the Creator really are a rotten bunch of humans.
Your eternal damnation is no ones fault except your own. Your hatred of the truth is astounding.”
How christian of you bob, judge not, lest ye be judged first. It’s so easy to turn these right wing nut job evangelist’s bibles against them, it’s a two faced document written by dishonest men wishing to profit off the stupidity of scared people, and how it has worked!!! Let’s look further into your comment, by being athiest and left wing, I’m anti-american and a rotten human? I beg to differ, as this country was built on differing opinions and the mandate that all respect these differences; the freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of religion (or lack thereof), so on and so forth (to use a Marvin-ism). So, it appears from my point of view that your blanket statement about people with differing views than you is the epitomy of “anti-american.” “Hi christian brother!” “Oh, wait, you’re not a christian? Well, to hell with you then Heathen!!!” Give me a break. You’re pathetic, I wish I could be around when your spaghetti monster in the sky doesn’t come rescue your “soul” from your coffin, but alas, that would be impossible wouldn’t it? I laugh at your narrowminded drivel, the point is, believe whatever you want as long as you don’t expect me to do the same because a book said to do so. Hey, one last question there Bob, what happened to the ancient Greeks? The American Indians? Hindu’s? Jews? Ancient Romans? What happened to Jesus? Muslims? He didn’t read or believe in the bible, he didn’t worship himself. What about all the slaughtering in the name of “Christianity” that Spain, England and other countries did? Did those people who murdered int he name of god get into heaven? The problem most of us who disagree with your views have is the many many holes and hypocrisies in your religion, not to mention the complete lack of evidence that is provided to support your beliefs.

“The problem most of us who disagree with your views have is the many many holes and hypocrisies in your religion, not to mention the complete lack of evidence that is provided to support your beliefs.”
Dear CurseofBoJackson, may I suggest books like “Evidence That Demands A Verdict” and “The Case For Faith.” Both written by highly intelligent people.

I keep reading hate post that claim Tebow was “pushing” or “forcing” people on his view in this situation.
“Tebow made a REQUEST that the players bow their heads in prayer before taking the 50-question exam.
Apparently you folks are not intelligent enough to know the difference between requesting something and forcing/pushing things on people.
Ignorance knows no bounds!

LISTEN CAREFULLY TEBOW HATERS, ATHEISTS, THE WORLD, ETC. You that say “you’re supposed to keep Christianity to yourself” is unaccurate. It’s not because I say it or anyone else on this board says it. GOD in the form of JESUS CHRIST said it. The reason why you think we’re to be silent about it is because that’s what makes everyone comfortable. That’s not how it’s supposed to work. Nobody is “pushing” it on anyone. It’s not like unbelievers get shunned due to their lack of faith by (true) Christians. If that was the case, then none of Tebow’s teammates wouldn’t be able to stand him and you never hear any players bashing him for being judgemental or discriminatory. Too many Christians keep their faith themself due to this type of response. They don’t want to ruffle any feathers. Christianity involves leaving your comfort zone. I’m praying for you all on this board that have blasphemed the Lord Jesus Christ by mockery and jokes. God Bless you all! Romans 12:2

This doesn’t need to be an argument about the merits and flaws of Christianity – I don’t think anyone is going to change their minds on that based on a profootballtalk comments section.
This is about Tebow wearing his faith on his sleeve at an inappropriate time. Praying before a game is understandable, as people put their bodies on the line and injuries are common. Praying before a Wonderlic test is self-serving, and highly inappropriate given that most of the people in the room were NOT his teammates. If he’s actually trying to lead a group of mostly strangers in a prayer before a test, that’s rather arrogant of him. Know your place.

DeLions00 –
Brilliant hypothesis. You must have years of study to come up with that one. Sorry pal but nobody has proof of anything beyond this world so get over yourself.
I am guessing that if Tebow said lets get laid and drunk after the test you would approve. Shows your ignorance and intolerance that it is such a BIG DEAL that a guy might ask if anybody wants to pray. Or maybe it just shows your immaturity that your response would be shut the F*&^ up. What are you 13?
———————————————-
szaggy
My point exactly. No proof of any religion’s correctness or incorrectness one way or another.
You also assume that because I don’t believe any of the crap you spew that I am not a self concious person. I’ll chock that up to you being an ignorant d-bag.
Just because I don’t bow down to some invisible being that has never been proven to exist beyond anything more than a story book doesn’t make me any less of an upstanding individual than yourself.
I happen to be a college graduate and a successful engineer, one of the few that still actually is employed. You can say whatever you want about my character, but low-and-behold, you don’t have a clue about the person you’re talking to.
So all you have proven with your response is
A) You’re the one who’s being pissed off and doing the squirming, and
B) You’re the intolerant one by making assumptions about the type of person I am because I don’t believe in your crap.
Way to go, you anus.

What is it with all of the damn political/religious debate on PFT lately? This is the third or fourth thread I’ve come across in the past week where people have started bitching about this garbage.
Couple quick notes …
(1) To the religious people trying to be serious and make a point – you’re on a football website, folks. You’re not going to convert anyone on here.
(2) People have the right to have and express an opinion. However, others have the right to counter it – it goes both ways. If you’re going to open your mouth and start spouting out religious garbage in public, you’re going to generate a response from others. Why religious people don’t understand this is beyond me; you argue that people have the right to have and express a belief, but when others do the same in response, you get bitchy.
(3) If my team drafted Tebow, I’d like/dislike him just the same (assuming this story has an iota of truth to it). Troy Polamalu’s religious, and I have no gripes at all; he’s amazing to watch and is supposed to be a genuine, down-to-earth dude. If he has different beliefs than me or prays prior to games or does whatever, who the hell cares (although I doubt Polamalu would try starting a group prayer prior to being administered the Wonderlic at the combine, again assuming this story has any truth). Despite being a little geekyass nerd, at least Tebow would be somewhat more likely to not go around generating attention or getting in trouble.

Aestro, I’m sure many of the players including Tim himself were nervous about the test. From a Christian standpoint; I would’ve asked God to ease my nerves and for me to take the test with the best of my ability that He has given me. I would think that’s where Tebow was going with the prayer. By that token, it’s not self-righteous or arrogant. He’s actually trying to help them.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Jesus Christ – John 15:18-19.

@John El Way
People who don’t pray aren’t bad people. But when someone wants to pray or is asking to pray, when you say to him “f*** you”, you’re then a bad person. And if you laughed after someone said that, you too are a bad person. That’s just how it is.

Whenever a player in football is hurt seriously, the one thing you will always see before play is resumed, or mostly after the game, is a group of players from both teams gather in a large huddle on the field to pray for their fallen team mate\friend. Not much is said criticzing this action, nor are any of the players riduculed for praying for the welfare of the injured player.
Kurt Warner is a Christian man as well, Tony Dungy, Ray Lewis, Joe Gibbs, Emmit Smith, Tom Landry, Randall Cunningham, the list goes on and on.
For so many that condemn Tebow on his Christian beliefs, nobody seems to condemn these other players, all who are held in high regard, personally & professionally. To have faith is just, the just shall live by faith. Faith is also being sure of what you hope for & certain of what you do not see. Tebow is trying to witness to people in prayer, not sell drugs. With so much negativity in sports thruout, he is an example of a positive witness like some of the players before him and a great role model for youngsters to look up to. God Bless.

pastormarknlag says:
March 24, 2010 11:35 AM
Third, perhaps you can recall names like Reggie White, Kurt Warner, and Mike Singletary? These were all men outspoken about their faith and highly respected around the NFL. Perhaps you would prefer guys like Plaxico Buress, Pacman Jones, and Ryan Leaf?
———————————————–
Or perhaps Florio prefers guys who, you know, play the game at a high level without having to include God in every statement they make. Guys like Peyton Manning, Chris Johnson, Tom Brady, Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo, Brett Favre, Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Steven Jackson, Ronnie Brown, Phillip Rivers, Troy Polamalu, and the list goes on.
Nobody is saying that a player can’t pray. It’s just obnoxious for a player to take it upon himself to try and recruit other players in his prayer, especially when it’s for something so trivial as the Wonderlic test. If anything, religious players pray for their safety and the safety of their teammates during a game. If someone is praying to God to help them win without ever assuming that the guy on the other side of the field is doing the same for his team, well, that just exemplifies the pointlessness of religion.

There are only two kinds of people in this world.Those who believe in God and those who are evil followers.Which one are you? I would rather be like Tebow than the one who said “shut the f— up”!God Bless!

I can’t believe I missed this story last night. That’s what I get for leaving my house for once I guess.
I really hope the Cowboys figure out who told Tebow to “shut the f up” and draft that man. He’s only saying what many of us were already thinking: SHUT UP ABOUT JESUS AND PLAY FOOTBALL. We all know Timmy loves his Jesus. This is America and it’s his right to believe whatever crazy crap he wants to. But he doesn’t need to push his believes on everyone, because we will definitely push back.

I think the Tebow supporters are missing the point. Tebow getting smacked down here isn’t necessarily because of his religious beliefs. It’s because he makes a show of his beliefs and tried to assert himself above everyone else in the group in this situation.
These guys are all on roughly the same footing now and they’re competing for jobs. They’re not teammates. It’s pretentious to make a show of your religious beliefs and your desire to be seen as a leader in this way in this situation.
Tebow seems like a great kid with good intentions but I suspect he’s got an inflated ego by everyone telling him what a great kid/leader he is all the time and it leads him to do pretentious things like this.
Bottom line: The guy who told him to shut the f up was harsh, but Tebow’s request was inappropriate since it presumed everyone in the room shares his religious beliefs and wanted to take a forced timeout to demonstrate them.

Freedom of religion means any religion, whether its christianity, buddhism, satanism, whatever. Freedom to worship means you can worship Jesus Christ, Allah, or the stop sign on the corner. The problem with ANY ORGANIZED RELIGION is that they all think they are right and everyone is wrong, and they all try to force their beliefs on everyone else. The difference between Reggie White and Tebow, Kurt Warner and some others that are out there is that Reggie could actually do an interview without trying to force his beliefs on everyone listening

Heres the thing. this reporter was not in the room during the test therefore it is all hearsay. who knows what exactly Tebow said. he could have simply said hey im gonna pray for the test is it cool if i pray out loud? the way the writer writes it, it makes it sound like a demand. i dont think this is how it would have went. however, i was also not in the room but you must take into the consideration the views of the writer and how he would perceive things.
To the people who are hating on the people are trash talking the tebow haters. knock it off. your giving Christians a bad rep. we are called to love. non-christians dont understand it nor should they because they dont know Jesus. we shouldnt expect them to. they are humans just like us and God loves them just the same. he is no respecter of persons. i know its crazy but he loves people who hate him just as much as he loves you. remember he created everyone. he knew everyone even before they were in their mothers wombs.
To the people who are hating on Christians. i am sorry that Christians have rubbed you the wrong way in the past. I do not believe that by tebow writing verses on his eyes is pushing religion on anyone. to a non believer you can take them for simply random letters and numbers that have no significance. hes not jumping through the tv telling you to believe in Jesus Christ and that it is the only way. again im sorry that there are Christians out there that all they do is hate on people who are in the world. for the hypocrites that are out there. but remember we are all humans we all have sin we are all just trying to figure out life.

As someone who grew up in the thick of the southern Bible belt, I’ve come to learn that those that are most vocal about their beliefs are the worst types. Not only do they constantly bombard you with “Jesus loves you” and how much prayer helps, but they’re the first to judge and many that I’ve encountered have very questionable morals. The best Christians let their actions speak for them by the good they do.
Tebow is going to make himself a PR nightmare for any team that even considers drafting him. If he wants to pray, go ahead, but don’t try to push your religion on others. Maybe they have their own ways of praising God or whatever they believe in.

I like how people are saying Tebow has the right to say what he wants but the kid who said STFU doesn’t lol.
Once again, this isn’t about religion. This is about Tebow thinking he has the right to request anything. Tebow was a leader at Florida, and I’m sure he was a leader in high school. But he is going to have to get used to not being a leader anywhere for awhile. Rookies aren’t leaders. Even great rookies aren’t leaders. I am sure there are a few exceptions to my point that someone will bring up but lets be honest, for the most part rookies need to stfu and listen to the veterans. If Tebow tries to be the leader on (pick a team at random) the veteran guys who are the leaders of that team will probably not apprecieate it.
I don’t want this to be a religious debate at all but I saw someone say “all people who don’t believe are going to hell” and then “people hate people who don’t believe what they believe and its wrong.”

All Tim Tebow had to do was bow his head and silently say a brief prayer. He didn’t have to request anything to do that.
By making an announcement to the room, asking that the group all do it, asking that the test be delayed while everyone bowed their head to pray — that’s where he went over the line.
He had to go and make a show of it. And someone else reacted in kind.

There must be plenty of practical atheist’s on this site. Would you like Tebow to have fathered 5 kids by 5 different women and tatooed up and down his arm. No his biggest offence is having a sincere faith in God that makes people uneasy. I don’t think he’ll make it at quarterback but could make it at another position. I don’t think anyone in the locker room told Reggie White or Brian Dawkins to shut the F up. No class.

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your closet and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:5-6.
“Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines to all that are in the house.” Matthew 5:15.
Christ called his followers not to be ashamed of their beliefs, not to hide their beliefs, but also not to offend others and God by grandstanding their beliefs.
None of us were present when Mr. Tebow made whatever remarks he made prior to the examination; so, it is probably best to let those who were there judge whether his conduct was just letting his light shine or offensively flashing his spiritual credentials.

This is a good lesson for Tebow – he is no longer BMOC who will be followed by all in his presence.
He’s now in the world of men, all of whom are professionals. He can’t go around setting the agenda, especially when it comes to sensitive issues.
Powerful lesson, but one we all face sooner or later on some level.
And I want to draft the kid that responded to him – he has fire.

There is no such thing as god, jesus, etc. If you believe that such fairy tale nonsense is real go to your place of worship and babble to your hearts content. Or better yet keep your personal beliefs to yourself. Thats why they are personal.There are BILLIONS and Billions of people on this planet who do not subscribe to the make believe child molesting religion of the god/jesus persuasion. Yes, Tim and others who support them, Shut the F@ck Up.

Annie – that is an amazingly intolerant statement. Just because someone is of another faith, or even an atheist, doesn’t make them evil.
That, in a nutshell, is the failure of the American evangelical churches. First, learn the bible you claim to follow. Then, take some time to learn about the religions of others.
You’ll be surprised, and a better person for it.

For the majority of the comments and the author (Mike Florio) – all I can say is “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!” Do something with your life rather than putting down someone who obviously stands for something good. I would rather be on Tebow’s side and be wrong – than your side and be right any day. And Florio – this isn’t news. This is gossip. You ladies have a blessed day and go watch The View.

“People who don’t pray aren’t bad people. But when someone wants to pray or is asking to pray, when you say to him “f*** you”, you’re then a bad person. And if you laughed after someone said that, you too are a bad person. That’s just how it is.”
Would i be a bad person if i asked 150.00 for my autograph?

Ilovefootball says:
March 24, 2010 3:03 PM
There must be plenty of practical atheist’s on this site. Would you like Tebow to have fathered 5 kids by 5 different women and tatooed up and down his arm.
———————
Because there’s no middle ground between
A) Grandstanding your religious beliefs and presuming everyone around you is of the same mindset.
and
B) Fathering 5 kids with 5 different women.
You can’t just be classy, a good guy and have religious beliefs (or not) and think it’s not right to assert yourself and your beliefs over everyone around you. If you disagree with Tebow you must be fathering kids all over the country and getting loaded with tats, right?

I have a feeling that Tebow is an obnoxious pain in the a** that won’t shut up. They ask him a question and he just keeps freakin’ ramblin’..His Far Right bible thumping has to get old..slip him a downer.

People with below average intelligence are likely to be religious extremists, so his asinine evangelism doesn’t come as a surprise.
If he wants to believe in 2,000 year old superstitions, he could at least learn to do it right and give up his worldly possessions, quit competing and start teaching by example rather than preaching.

Dear pastormarknlag, might I suggest “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins, also written by a highly intelligent person, but let’s be real here, you are no more likely to read my siggestion than I am to read yours. I don’t have a problem per say with people of faith, any faith, that’s an individual choice (or at least ot should be, I feel like indoctrination at an early age is the lifeblood of religion but that’s neither here nor there), but I DO have a problem with people who have a problem with me because I don’t share their beliefs, which really is just another way of saying the popular bumper sticker phrase “I don’t have problem with Jesus, it’s his followers that bother me.” The high christian horse ridden by so many posters here is appaling, damning other posters to hell, or claiming that “there are two types of people in the world, christians and evil followers” blah blah blah, I think I speak for the rest of those sharing my beliefs (or lack thereof), by simply pleading for those who have faith, whatever it may be, to LEAVE US ALONE! We don’t want to be part of your religion! If we did, we would! It’s really a simple request, so please honor it. And as far as Tebow goes, he was as out of line as the kid who made the profane response, neither should be exonerated, both were immature mistakes, hopefully both will learn from it, but I honestly doubt either will.

I think that this is not an issue about religion and more of an issue about lead dog. If the article is accuarte and Tebow “requested” that the group bow thier heads and pray. I could see why other alpha males might resist. Tebow steps into a room with other highly regarded players and decides to make a request. I don’t think any of the other guys were looking for a leader at that point. So the content was not the issue, it was the fact the Tebow felt that this group needed his leadership.

I’m almost embarrassed to leave a comment for this. I’ve never seen such insecurity in my life in humanity. Religion on not, there is such a thing as being tolerant. A simple, “please don’t push that on me” would have done fine, providing this is the truth. Obviously my religion is irrelevant at this point in time, so I will not bother with quotes…which would just cause ridicule. Here’s what I want any reader here to know: Don’t fault someone for at least trying to act on what he believes in…this country we live in was founded on tolerance, not belligerency. There is a difference and I don’t think many of the posters on here believe this. Sorry if this “offends” anyone and I “ruined your day”.

People complaining about Tebow posts must realise that as a lawyer Mike Florio has no soul. He has found a raw nerve and he is pumping it for all it’s worth. His existernce is justified by the mumber of responses he gets. that is why there are so many Farve posts and Packer-Viking stuff in general. Let’s not forget Big Ben. Stop getting worked up about this stuff and go and read the posts on the CBA negotiations. Owners must look at sites like this and go “fans don’t care, we can get away with a lockout in 2011”. Fans need to get angry and get organised or there will be a lock out in 2011 and no football. At the end of the day Tim Tebow is who he is. He is proud of his faith and probably doesn’t care about being laughed at. Neither should we

A few thoughts…
First of all, does the guy that told Tim to shut up have some insecurities about his relationship or lack of with Christ. Really, what does it hurt to pray… it can be to whomever you want… God, Allah, Yahweh and/or Elohim. If you don’t believe at all, take that time as a time to reflect on positive thoughts.
Second, I agree that when in a work place, you cannot force your religion upon anybody because it just might push them away. If you THINK that you are making people uncomfortable talking about God and Jesus, then perhaps you should walk the walk instead of talk the talk. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. Let your actions introduce them to God by living a Christ-like life style.
Third, from the advice of my five year old, “That was a cold-prickly, not a warm fuzzy”. Just because you don’t agree with one’s beliefs does not mean you need to put him/her down in a group setting. REALLY, does that player feel better about himself by putting down Tim’s beliefs?

I want to ask a question and get some opinions.
I have often wondered how the networks would handle it if a player wrote SATAN on one of his eye black stickers and 666 on the other. I wonder if that player would be allowed to wear the stickers. I would not be surprised to see something like this end up in court. What do you think?

b4il3y
said it well, why is everyone so worked up about Tebow & those who have contempt for him. What these 300 or so comments boil down to, more or less, is if you don’t believe like I do, you’re an idiot, scumbag, going to hell, a fool who believes in an invisible person in the sky & that is why our country is in the mess it’s in, zero tolerance for any belief other than MINE(which is always right).
Florio shows that side in his writing & it continues in the comment section. “I’m right, you’re an idiot.” He might be auditioning for a good cable news hate show.
I don’t want anyone to tell me how to believe or what to believe. By the same token, I don’t like the shut the f*@k up intolerance either. Grow up, respecting other’s beliefs or non-beliefs is the right way to go. But that’s my opinion, so let me have it.
There might be 20 truly tolerant comments on this post & nearly 300 of the “I’m right, you’re an idiot” variety.
Now here’s another one to take childish potshots at, so go to it.

Even Jesus thinks Tebow needs to STFU…
5″And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:5-8

The bottom line is Tebow dominated the best college football had to offer for four years. He is going to have a major impact on the NFL. All the naysayers have ground their axes on the fact he is an unrepentant Christian. He talks it and he walks it. One heck of a guy.

It’s awesome when atheists declare something wrong when they don’t believe in absolute truth. Without it then it’s all just our personal preferences and the STFU Man’s preference NOT to pray is no more valid than Tebow’s preference TO pray and HE should be the one to STFU. Who is he to force HIS beliefs on Tebow? STFU Man may not appreciate it, but why is that anyone else’s problem? Who is anyone else here to complain about Tebow’s preference (if it’s even true)?

Personally, if I had been in the group I would have just wanted to ge on with business. But for some of the assclowns on here – if Tebow manages to become a starting quarterback for someone, then you can bet there will be a bunch of foxhole converts at that time… because it will be his team at that point… the suckups who want playing time will suddenly be supportive

Seeking to follow Christ will often lead to being wrongfully criticized and hated. Jesus said to His followers, “I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:19). And the Bible says that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). So how are we to respond to hatred, hostility, and persecution when it’s directed at us?
Enduring wrongful hatred is something that God both requires and rewards. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” And in Luke 6:22-23 He said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Christians should avoid unnecessary conflict (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18; 14:19), but there will be times when conflict can’t be avoided (Matthew 10:34; 1 Peter 2:19-21; 3:13-17; 4:12-16). Jesus said that His followers would be hated and persecuted (Luke 21:17; John 15:18-21). Merely seeking truth and living by the light exposes darkness in the lives of others and incites hatred (John 15:22). An obedient life forces people in rebellion to face their sinfulness and need of redemption (Isaiah 30:9; John 9:39; Romans 2:8).
The Bible clearly articulates the proper Christian response to hostility. For example, when we are cursed, we are to return a blessing in return (Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14). When we are forced to do something we don’t want to do, we are to go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41). If we “suffer for doing good” we are to “endure it” (1 Peter 2:20). These responses are hard to do, but they demonstrate that something supernatural is motivating us, something that transcends mere human nature (Matthew 5:46-47).1
When we return good for evil, we follow the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:20-23). Our enemies will be taken off guard, even stunned. They expect (and probably desire) an angry response. Our anger would be natural, and would confirm their sense of control. But a gentle response would be unnatural, even incomprehensible.
Jesus offers no guarantee that a humble response will soften our enemy’s heart. Although our enemy might be puzzled, a truly evil person may be angered further. He might renew his attacks with even more tenacity. But there is also a chance that our foe may be disarmed, intrigued, and drawn to faith.
It’s no wonder that the apostle Paul exhorted Christians to:
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head” (Romans 12:16-20).
1. One reason is that we seldom know for sure why we are being hated. It flatters us to believe that it is entirely a matter of being “persecuted for righteousness sake” (Matthew 5:10). But realistically, the good that we do is often mixed with selfishness, jealousy, pride, and self-protection. If we are honest, we realize that there are times when our enemies are rightly putting their finger on something ugly in us, and are angered by our sin.
Still another reason we should be willing to be good to our enemies is that we ourselves have benefited from God’s grace and are indebted to God’s love (Matthew 18:23-35). God offered us mercy, even when we unfairly hated Him. We who have experienced the miracle of God’s unconditional love should be the first to strive for peace, resisting the impulse to condemn (Matthew 5:22; Romans 12:10).

Buffman – do you think anyone read your diatribe? Really? Its comical with all these Christians weighing in on how us non-believers are doomed to hell. What Tebow did was inappropriate and he deserves whatever chastising he gets. STFU guy was right on. He showed much better leadership than Tebow. Leadership is earned and Tebow had earned nothing with this group. Who the h*ll does he think he is? Ooops, I forgot, he thinks he is Jesus Christ. Plenty of players in the NFL are Christians and elect to participate in voluntary gatherings on the field and in the locker room – but they are just that – voluntary. The STFU guy and all that laughed have just as much of a chance to succeed in the NFL as Tebow, and probably more. It was probably one of Tebow’s offensive lineman that put him in his place…

This post illustrates three points;
1) The poster and most of the commenters are way out of touch with reality. If in fact this actually happened, which I’m not convinced it did, the guy who should be worrying is the idiot who told Tebow to shut up. He’s the guy these teams are going to be wary of. He’s the one who did damage to his reputation and draftability. No matter how good he is, there are enough disrespectful, stupid lowlifes in the NFL.
2) Most of the same idiots who are trying to find anyway to beat Tebow down and tell us he will fail in the NFL are the same morons who told us JaMarcus Russell was going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread and would lead the Raiders back to greatness. They also told us Byron Leftwich, who had a worse throwing motion then Tebow and was fat and lazy, was going to be a great NFL QB and deserved to be a first rounder. Which leads us to
3) If Tim Tebow were black everyone would be talking about whether he was going to be the first pick in the draft. Anyone who denies that is an idiot or is fooling themselves.

Wow,, a lot of posts on here from religious zealots. The thing that i do not agree with at all about religion and sports- if there is a god (not saying there is) does he really care who wins the games or who does the best on the Wonderlic? You pray for everything and for little things, if there is a god he would mock you for relying on him/her to make your job easier. How about just manning up and doing your job. If there is a god I am sure he would respect that a lot more than asking for his help in every little thing you do.
PATHETIC AND WEAK!

I did not read all (most but not all) when this thought hit. Could it be that he was just spoofing on himself? Everyone probably knows profession of faith. The room was tense and they had just heard about this 50 point test they were facing. Or they know this test is sort of a formality, and again he was just joking. I have done that myself, just fooling around. He could have laughed with the rest, at least chuckled, and then got on with the test. However, when reported and retold, that info was intentionally or innocently left out of the telling. Hummmm? I can totally see that side of this entire event. Just supposing here.

Said one of the other players in response: “Shut the f–k up.” Others players in the room then laughed.
Wait! Don’t tell me! I bet the ‘other player’ was a “PLAYA/GANGSTA” with his cap on sideways & his pants halfway down his ass, & he says “It is what it is, Nomesayin’?” every 2nd sentence. I don’t know why, but when I read that “shut the f–k up” comment, the guy’s appearance just popped into my head!

Peaceanprosperity…
Too bad you made us read some interesting points in paragraph #1 before you lost all credibility by revealing yourself to be a racist, or at least a classic professional victim (that, plus being jobless = tea party member) in the latter paragraphs.
Why not talk about the idiots that touted Cade McNown? Or Tim Couch? Or Ryan Leaf? Or Rob Johnson? Or JP Losman? Or Patrick Ramsay?
Strange that you fail to use one example of a QB bust who is white, choosing to use two black QB’s, including one who has built a nice NFL career (BL) and doesn’t fall into that category.
The calls I see for taking Tebow early come from white Christian evangelicals who want to see someone like them start in the NFL (that kind of QB will never go #1…that opinion reveals a poor knowledge of pro football). There is nothing wrong with that, I get it – but it is sad that you and your ilk see everything as a racial issue.
After all, NO ONE in this draft has been more hyped by ESPN than Tebow, and he’s far from a top prospect. Should we just say its because he’s white? Naw, we’re smarter than that.
Hopefully you and those like you smarten up as well.

Wizard – did you learn any more about history? Because your reading comprehension is obviously lacking. Maybe we need to move on to that.
But maybe you are in civics class – recalculating your whole belief system in light of new legislation. You know, to repeal it you now have to trample the Constitution (that you used to claim had to be taken literally) and employ those hated activist judges of yours (who you once claimed were un-American). This was after the ‘Reagan says deficits don’t matter’ crowd became deficit hawks.
But that’s easy when you had no belief system to begin with.

I still haven’t seen a response explaining how someone requesting a prayer, thanking God, or stating they live their life according to their religious beliefs is imposing, pushing or forcing those beliefs on someone else. How can that so easily affect you? I’m not insulted or put-off by someone expressing religious beliefs that differ from mine. I don’t stop believing or become angry just because you don’t believe or use terms that insult mine – that’s your choice. Not believing in a higher spiritual power doesn’t make anyone any more a heathen than believing makes one a zealot.
Chapnasty2 – I understand your point, but no one is forcing anyone else to read, watch or listen.
SaintsBucsPanthersSUKK – very well written and LOL funny!
A-One – excellent post!
For those of you insulting the intelligence of those who believe in a “magical invisible being” (including those implying no one believes that stuff anymore) I have an article from the Washington Post for you. The results from this poll in 2008 are matched by countless such polls over the last 2-3 years. 92% believe in a higher spiritual being, or God. I guess some of the other 8% post insulting, intolerant comments on a particular sports site.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/story/2008/06/23/ST2008062300818.html
IS IT TIME FOR THE DRAFT YET???

“I still haven’t seen a response explaining how someone requesting a prayer…is imposing, pushing or forcing those beliefs on someone else.”
Are you talking about this specific instance, or in general?
In this case, it would have been presumptuous – one, that you can direct total strangers into sharing a prayer of a faith they may or may not believe in. Based on the power of his celebrity. That dynamic would be more ‘real’ to people here if a Muslim player had asked them all to join him in bowing to Mecca. Two, the assumption that everyone shares your faith is simply foolish, and could be seen as insulting to those of another faith.
In a wider sense, I’m sure you can understand how a Muslim or Jew would be made uncomfortable if their boss or employer called for a pre-meeting Christian prayer. The inference is that you ‘should’ be sharing their beliefs, that their faith is the ‘right’ and ‘normal’ one, and that yours are false or unworthy. One could conclude that chances for promotion or raise could be hurt by not sharing that faith.
That could be perception or reality – but the point is that this person was made to feel like a second class citizen, that he or she is not ‘in the club’. They may also conclude that their boss views them as a moral inferior.
Surprising that this is in question. I grew up in a Catholic family, some of whom have relics that they believe can help people. Yeah, really, they believe this. But we were also taught – by priests and nuns – that showy acts of faith were essentially the sin of pride, and that there was a time and a place for prayer – that took into account who one was with.
I remember when non-Catholics felt pressured to join us for communion, just because everyone else was doing it. I found that to be sad, that they were somehow pressured (usually by their own sense of not belonging) into joining in a ritual that they did not believe in. But equally, I found it an affront to my faith, that they were casually participating in what, at the time, I saw as a sacred event.
If you create an environment where people feel pressured to join and ‘act’ Christian – an impossible act given free will – that becomes the issue. You can create such an environment if you are in a position of power – a celebrity ballplayer, company owner, or politician.
So, if Tebow wants to come to the Catholic school dinner, he’s perfectly within his bounds to ask for prayer. If he’s in a room of strangers, no.

Mooch
You just revealed yourself to be a knee-jerk, brainless libtard. You think anyone who points out the obvious and mentions race has to be a racist. You don’t even know the definition of racism, I recommend you buy a dictionary.
All of those busts could be used but how many won a heisman and two national championships? All of those also had thier detractors. Tebow has a throwing motion that needs to be adjusted. Aside from that the kid has shown nothing but positives on the field and off the field. He is not liked because he’s a good guy and all the lowlifes hate him because it makes thier own shortcomings obvious. I’m sorry you feel badly about yourself, I’m sorry that your personal philosophy is baseed on your own inferiority complex and I’m sorry that idiots like you are allowed to vote. But it’s still America and you can still spout your brainless, most modern politically correct opinions.

“I’m sure you can understand how a Muslim or Jew would be made uncomfortable if their boss or employer called for a pre-meeting Christian prayer”
Talk about a vistim, you silly little brainless twerp. A real man would respect someones wishes and sit quietly or say a prayer to whomever they wish two, as in your case saying a prayer to liberace. You are the perfect example of a to the bone victim. A guy who is offended because someone else wants to pray, because someone else wants to display thier spirituality. I bet your neighbors don’t complain when you mow your lawn in a tutu, why don’t you learn by thier example?

PnP – if you think that Tebow is being under-hyped, you are not paying attention.
If you think he is not being adequately hyped because of being white, you are an idiot.
If you think being black automatically bumps a player up in the rankings, you don’t know football on the field or from a business angle,
The fact that you compare his situation with only black QB’s makes it clear you are a racist. You seem to think they get all the breaks, all the hype, and are given opportunities that people like Tebow have to work for. Why else would you choose just black ones?
“All of those busts could be used but how many won a heisman and two national championships?”
Ya mean winners? Like Gino Toretta? Like Eric Crouch? You seem to have missed these two.
I actually like Tebow, I would like the Birds to draft him in rd 5 – he wins and has some great intangibles that can do something at the next level – even if we do not know what exactly it will be. He can even do all the religious outreach he wants for all I care. So I have no idea what the latter part of your shrill, 12 year old chick-ish rant is about. I just found your rationale on the situation a laughable mis-read influenced by your victim mentality.
How you people cry and whine when you are challenged.

PnP – that opinion is why you don’t own a business, don’t run a department, and are not in charge of anything.
Just because you spent your life sitting silently and being told what to do doesn’t mean we’re all that weak.
You are such a tough guy! I bet you weight about 120 lbs. Please.
Go get someone a coffee, you loser. Or make some for the people in charge.

As for the hitch in his throw, you could have used Kerry Collins as an example – who had that exact same criticism thrown at him.
But you are a lazy racist, so you hopped on Leftwich.
So, your racism effected your thinking to the point where you hurt your own argument.
Lookit, you got called on it so now you are crying. Just move on. And be more subtle next time, you’ll be less embarrassed.
Or you could be a man and fess up to what you really believe.

PnP – here is what I love about a coward like you. You were going to be the guy who came on the board and make controversial statements and stand up for white people. You were gonna be the tough guy.
Then, the second you get challenged, you back down. You cry. You play the victim card. Then you just start the name calling.
Signed,
The guy who paid for your medical care for the past 20 years and isn’t going to have to do it anymore because you have to be a man and pull your own weight by buying insurance.
PS – Your opt-in welfare days are OVER!

PurpleJeebus says:
March 23, 2010 7:34 PM
Someone find that unnamed player and give him a medal.
It will be easy to find that guy in about three years when he is entering a 12 step program and realizing that he has to rely on a higher power to overcome the addiction in order to get a last chance agreement in the NFL. If he makes it that far.

“PnP – that opinion is why you don’t own a business, don’t run a department, and are not in charge of anything. ”
Actually I own my own successful business and have been in management positions for other peoples businesses. A very strange post, that last one. You are a very tough, anonymous little liberal. Now go feed your cat, hug your boyfriend and start creating the flower arrangement your boss at the florists told you to make, you sissy.

SURE you do! I bet you are a Navy SEAL and a movie star too! You sound like a real genius.
You are either a racist or a person who knows nothing about football. Take your pick, quite frankly it is probably both.
Nice move, backing up none of your points and running back to name calling. This is why your life didn’t turn out the way you wanted (it had nothing to do with black people victimizing you). Being a chicken is, after all, the MO you claim to live by.
Bt if the tough talk helps you save face for making an idiotic statement, have at it.
And the coffee, please.

You may want to seek mental help for what is obviously latent homosexuality. Every comment of yours seems to obsess with gays and what you perceive as a gay lifestyle.
An obsession with all things gay might mean something. Let me guess, you are also a fan of Tom Cruise movies.

And please, please, please. Come on down to Philly and mouth off about Dems and liberals as you have here. Please. Because I’m sure you know that this is a union town and Teamsters and IEW workers are technically “liberal Dems”.
You can meet us down at the parking lot at the Linc any time there is an Eagles game. Or at the Bank during a Philles game. Come down there and call us every name in the book. See what happens.
It would be funny to see you rearrange your sweater vest and fanny pack after getting smacked around. You’d need a flower arrangement for your hospital room.

It’s amazing how so many people fight and demand tolerance, except when is comes to Christianity.
People are supposed to accept when a homosexual couple wants to attend prom, even though most of the town doesn’t want them there. People are supposed to accept when schools teach our children about alternative lifestyles or provide our kids with condoms.
Virtually everything we hear or see in the news media, television and movies is anti-Christian. Tim Tebow has been an exceptional leader, on and off the field. He has made a positive difference in the lives of children in the United States and the Philippines. He has helped prisoners change their lives and does what Jesus commands Christians to do, spread the word of God. I say “he”, but as Tim Tebow would say himself, it is Jesus Christ who should get the glory as “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Non-Christians love to judge Christians by what they believe our standards are. As Christians know, we do not claim to be perfect or infallible. We make mistakes and sin; the difference is we strive to do better and not make the same mistakes. Tim Tebow has made mistakes in the past and I am sure he will make more in the future. That does not make him a hypocrite; it makes him HUMAN.
I don’t believe this is the first time Tim Tebow has received some kind of backlash for his faith, and I am sure it will not be the last. I don’t think it will discourage him or cause him to withhold sharing his faith; I think it will reinforce that there are so many people out there that need the Lord. God Bless!

@peacenprosperity
You must be trolling. Dude you have zero logic behind any of your posts. The one I would like to focus on is that “If Tebow were black he would be the number 1 overall pick (not an exact quote).” First of all, Tebow is not black so unless you are a subscriber to M theory and happen to have a machine that lets you search alternate universes, than there is no way of knowing this. Second where do you even come up with that theory. The majority of first overall QBs taken have been white. Third, Tebow is a one of a kind specimen. There is no other QB in history that has anything close to his particular set of skills and setbacks. The only other guy remotely close to Tebow was VY who didn’t go first overall. Accepting the sad truth that race plays a part in managers decision making (as a manager I am sure you know this) does not excuse a stupid statement. Your statement was taken in a menacing tone towards black people. If you don’t like black people than maybe you should just An Hero (google it) or at least leave this board.

“Doc Fluty says:
March 23, 2010 7:29 PM
your passing along anything you can to make him look like an idiot for being religious.
there are prayer circles after every game and even during injury timeouts. I doubt anyone is going to hate him because of his beliefs…. you obviously never spent much time on a team in your life.
Guys we respect you because of the type of guy you are.. not your faith. If tom brady was a muslim and bowed in the locker room no one would give a shit because hes brady…
grow up and stop “making news” every time you hear a rumor that happened to tebow because he expresses his faith”
Good post. I am not religious at all, but i acknowledge the praying when there are injuries, before a game, before a meal, what have you.
Some people just lack respect.

Ha Ha Ha!!! What a colossal tool. And the fact that he got 22 out 50 questions correct (on such an easy test) is a testament to how stupid this guy really is. I guess God didn’t have his back there, did he?

@Bradley
You are so stupid is physically hurts me.
“People are supposed to accept when a homosexual couple wants to attend prom, even though most of the town doesn’t want them there.”
What do you think Jesus would say about this quote? If Jesus were here right now whose side would he be on? The entire town that is telling (assuming you mean the yahoo news story last week) a gay 15 year old girl she can’t bring her date or wear a tux to prom? Or the girl who is being persecuted by the entire town? Why don’t you turn off your computer, sit in a corner, and reread the Beatitudes (I doubt you have ever actually read them yourself). This is why sometimes it appears to you that people say “mean” things about christians. Many of the christians on this board and that I have seen, completely ignore around 2/3 of the bible (which I have read in its entirety) and yet they seem to judge everyone else for not following some of the most insignificant passages.

@ this class sucks
I certainly appologize as I never intended to physically hurt you. Notwithstanding, I would still like to respond to your reply. I do hope that it does not cause you anymore physical pain.
Jesus does not tell us to accept any type of behavior. It is true that he does not want us to judge other people and cast stones, but we do not have to accept that certain types of behavior is ok. Jesus loves the person, but hates the sin.
It’s interesting that you and other non-believers will attempt to use the Bible that you do not believe in to castigate and judge believers. reading the Bible means nothing unless you try to apply it to your life.
In one breath you are telling me that I am judging everyone else in another you are judging me and other Christians. Although I appreciate listening to other peoples’ opinions, I will let the Lord be the judge of me and not you.

@Bradley
I am judging you based on your comments. I am guessing you haven’t read the bible since you deemed it unimportant. But since you made such a big deal about applying it to your life lets see how well you apply it to yours: Do you eat pork? Your going to hell. Have you or anyone you know been treated for testicular cancer? Well that sends you straight to hell. Made fun of a bald person? Yep, hell bound. Gone without underwear? Well sir, you are going to have to take that up with Satan. It also turns out that according to Genesis (6:4) there is more than one God, and slavery is ok as long as you treat them horribly according to Exodus (21: 20-21). Being gay is as much a sin as eating pork. It is just a rule too keep the evolutionary cycle going that is no longer relevant. And yes your stupidity is beyond comprehension. I can’t wait until you find out Jesus was actually gay.

I’m sure any NFL team would rather have a player, especially at qb who leads by example. They would rather have someone leading their team on the field, who they don’t have to worry about him smoking pot, getting into trouble at a nightclub(getting himself or teamates beat up or killed.) Most teams don’t want players who they might lose because, they do stupid things like riding a motorcycle too fast without a helmet, or getting accused of sexual or domestic assault…the list goes on and on. Meanwhile people are worried because Tim Tebow lives out his faith just like Kurt Warner did. Just like Tom Landry did, just like Fran Tarkenton did, just like Roger Staubach did,just like Dan Reeves did. Do we notice a positive trend here…….all great team leaders who led their teams to many wins,while honoring the lord Jesus Christ.

@raiderdave
Hate to burst your bubble but if Kurt Warner sucked at football teams would have gladly taken Pac Man, Vick, or even a satan worshiper over him. In the NFL character comes second after skill.

I made a comment before reading the other comments here. After reading I felt the need to comment again. It is clear here that these readers/commentors indicate that being a Christian these days has to be the most descriminated against group one could belong to. I really doubt that an athlete could make any comment in any locker-room that would garner the hatred that has been heaped upon Tebow for this alleged comment. It frightens me to be shown this new reality of the state of things in this world today that so many would say such intolerant things. Even if this were true… he wasn’t forcing anyone to do anything! We cheer the scum with the ignorant vocabulary and attitude and we attack the one who practices Christianity. Then we have idiots quoting the Bible trying to ridicule Christians? What a sad lot of morons who come on here and make such hateful comments. I pray for you! And hundreds, even thousands of NFL players and former NFL players pray for you too. Those who think that God doesn’t want to hear simple prayers, that only “BIG”, “IMPORTANT” things are to be prayed for, only shows your ignorance of who God is and what prayer is. God bless you! God Bless Tim Tebow! And God Bless this fictitious individual who uttered the insult! Oh yeah! I almost forgot that this story is all made up only because we are intolerant of Christianity!

@Christxn
God your as dumb as that other guy. Respond to the quotes if you feel like there is a hole in my logic. Otherwise keep praying for me. I like how you assume everyone who is christian is a good person, where as everyone with a poor vocabulary is some how evil.

You pathethetic petty little pukes with your pre-pubescent gutter-speak. Thinking you’re sooooo Bad with your F-Bomb potty mouthed rants. You spew hatred at a guy (Tim Tebow) whose jock you couldn’t carry on your best day.
The Bible has terms for you – mockers and scoffers. And it has your destination lined up too, unless you fall on your knees and beg God to forgive you of your vile ways. The Good News is He will. Which just goes to show how much greater and forgiving He is, because I would sure have a hard time exonerating such miserable examples of wasted DNA that I see from most of the posters here.
I would love to have Tebow on my team, or as my neighbor. Fantastic football player – even better man.
And Florio, now I see why all of the posters on the Bengals message boards regard you as the Poster Boy for the Crappy (Pseudo)Journalist Telethon.
And esp. to you, John El Way – a question – did your Mom have any kids who lived?? Personally, I wish she had been pro-Choice, at least in your case. And to many others of you here – you’re screen names say it all – D-Bag, MoFo, Soeckmaibaulz, penguininbondage Monkey Flinging Poo, Duck Phallus. Messed up minds with messed up rhymes.
Now I’m going to take about 12 showers. Wading through the scum on this site has left me feeling quite filthy.

At the end of the day, there is a time, and a place, to request people to join in prayer.
That place certainly isn’t in the middle of a stressful situation, nor is it in the middle of the scouting combine. People trying to make it to the NFL have a lot of things on their minds, and the last thing they need is a very well-meaning but still somewhat sanctimonious person asking them if they would like to say a prayer before a test.
It’s generally inappropriate to do what he’s alleged to have done. I don’t have any problem with someone expressing their religious beliefs, whatever they are, or for that matter not practicing a religious belief at all. But just because you have a strong belief in God doesn’t mean that’s it’s proper to try and get me to join you, even if it’s only by request, even if there are no strings attached, even if there’s no hard feelings if I decline. And in the context of trying to convince professionals that you’re talented enough to make it in the NFL, it’s actually distracting to have someone, even in passing, try to get you to express yourself in their religion in their way.
Look, Tebow means well. He’s perfectly entitled to believe in what he wants. What he’s not entitled to do is to turn even mundane things like a test into a platform to promote his religion. (Yes, even if it is just a request, etc.) Just because the NFL has its share of Christian athletes doesn’t mean that everyone there is a Christian, wants to be a Christian, or even wants to discuss their religion in passing. He can go to church and express his beliefs, he can stand on a street corner and do that if he wants, but no matter how you slice it, even requesting a prayer in a group of people who might not believe what he believes is just wrong.
If it would be inappropriate to ask questions about sex in the workplace, or about intensely personal matters in the workplace, why would a prayer request or any discussion of religious beliefs be appropriate in the workplace? There’s a time and a place. It’s high time Tim Tebow learned that not everyone’s soul desires or requires saving, just because he thinks otherwise.

Surely we can keep this sucker going till it gets to 666 posts. The person who makes the 666th post gets the final word..
To all the non-christians, christians need to keep preaching and praying. If they don’t they aren’t being true to their God.
To all the christians, the world doesn’t end when you don’t believe. Were all getting along just fine without God.

You know, everyone here is quick to blast Tebow for wanting to pray before a test… The only reason is because he is open and believes what he is saying. No one says anything about the coach that holds prayer before a game…praying for success…no one has jack to say about PLAYERS that hold a prayer during a GAME when someone is injured. No one has nothing to say…but “look at that show of great sportsmanship, that is so wonderful to see.” But because it is Tebow saying lets pray…people bash him. For a 21 year old kid, if all I have to worry about is him saying lets pray then so be it. That is the great thing about this country…you can believe and say what you feel. He said what he believes….and alot of people here responded. With all of the crap some of these kids are doing, at least HE is not one of them….he is just trying to be a positive kid. Give it a rest.

It seems to me that Tim Tebow is trying to imitate Jesus Christ. Sorry Tebow everyone knows who you really are and that’s a gay crying bitch. Stop your praying cause God isn’t listening. If God exists and noticed how things are going down here on Earth it would have been doomsday a long time ago. So stop Praying and start playing like a man(not a cry baby).

When someone invokes God into every conversation it starts to wreak of someone trying to convince themselves or convince others? Faith is inner belief not the ability to show others how MUCH you believe. As someone stated above.. Typically the louder the bible thumper the emptier the brain… The guy just seems a few slices of bread short of a loaf..

There is a time and place for everything, an NFL stage is not the place. Im all for believing in what you want to believe in, but don’t force it upon others. He wont last long in an NFL locker room with grown men who have been playing in this league for years.

I think Tebow shouldnt have done what he did. Why? not for the same reasons as most of you but as a player among a bunch of other athletes, he has no right to try to lead a prayer. He has to know that he is no longer a leader and wont be at the NFL level. Coaches/Captains lead prayers if they choose to and if he wants to say a prayer, say it to himself. But who is he to suggest that they say a prayer. Tebow was a great college football player and he is a devout Christian. That should be the extent of it to all us outsiders who don’t know the guy. But when i hear the media say “If you just spend 5 minutes with Tim Tebow, your life will be changed” it pisses me off. I just hate the whole Tim Tebow hype when he’s just another religious athlete. Being religious is one thing but flaunting it around to others especially when you are not important is unneccessary .